James Joiner

Now an Independent Consultant in education and youth development, James Joiner possesses an accomplished track record as an instructor and school administrator. James Joiner first began teaching at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, New Jersey; over the years, he also held posts as a Principal at middle schools in Merrillville and Indianapolis, Indiana. Particularly skilled in strategic thinking as well as team-building and personnel management, James Joiner also demonstrates strong capabilities in initiating and implementing data-driven instruction. Most recently, James Joiner held the position of Principal of Fall Creek Valley Middle School in Indianapolis, Indiana. James Joiner witnessed Fall Creek Valley Middle School recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. During his tenure at middle schools in New Jersey as well as Indiana, James Joiner made a number of key changes, from decreasing achievement gaps for traditionally under-represented students to introducing the Baldridge Quality Schools Model to produce optimal quality, efficiency, productivity, and performance. In addition, James Joiner is the Founder of Rescuing Inner Sity Kids (RISK), Inc., a non-profit offering after-school tutoring for underserved youth. For his work with RISK, Inc., James Joiner received the $35,000 Russ Berrie Award from the Russ Berrie Foundation, a significant honor. James Joiner has also won the Golden Apple Award for teaching from the North Jersey Herald & News and was invited to be the Keynote Speaker at the Giants Stadium for the RECORD’s Newspaper in Education Annual Workshop. An alumnus of Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemical Engineering, James Joiner completed his Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision at Montclair State University. James Joiner belongs to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Indiana Urban Schools Association, and several other professional organizations.