Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie James
Jessie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as an educator and instructional leader has been driven by my passion for student success, curriculum development, and fine arts education.
I started my career as a music teacher and choir director, building strong programs from the ground up. Early on, I took on leadership roles as Grade Level Chair and Department Head, where I led teams and created structured, engaging learning environments. I expanded my impact by writing curriculum, formalizing schedules, and implementing initiatives that enriched both students and staff.
As I transitioned into middle school and junior high, I served as Head Choral Director, developing thriving choir programs that consistently received excellent and superior ratings in district, local, region, and state contests and evaluations. I significantly increased student participation, strengthened retention rates, and secured funding through grants to support my students. Beyond music, I initiated and sponsored student government and financial management clubs, coordinated special events, and led professional development presentations for my colleagues.
My expertise in music education extended beyond the classroom when I served as Chorus Manager for the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, managing auditions, scheduling, and concert logistics. Additionally, I mentored aspiring educators, including preparing candidates for their music certification exams.
Now, as a District Fine Arts Facilitator, I have the opportunity to support fine arts educators, develop programs, and influence arts education on a broader scale. With a Master of Science in Educational Management and an MBA, I have positioned myself as a strategic thinker, ensuring that students and teachers have the resources and support needed to thrive.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to innovation, leadership, and fostering both student and teacher growth. Every step of my journey has reinforced my passion for music education and my dedication to making a lasting impact on the schools and communities I serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout my career, I have faced numerous challenges that have shaped me into the educator and leader I am today. Building and expanding fine arts programs required creativity, persistence, and strong advocacy. Securing funding was a constant challenge, as I often had to write grants and find alternative resources to provide my students with the necessary attire, instruments, and other materials. Balancing leadership responsibilities with teaching demanded exceptional time management, as I juggled directing choral programs, mentoring colleagues, and managing department budgets, all while ensuring student success. I did all of this while also pursuing outside personal business ventures. There were also numerous systematic barriers I had to navigate.
Transitioning between different school environments required adaptability, as each campus had its own culture, expectations, and challenges. Student retention and engagement were ongoing concerns, as I worked to recruit and motivate students while navigating external pressures such as parental support and competing extracurricular commitments. Advocating for fine arts education was another challenge, as I sometimes had to prove its value in a system that prioritizes core academic subjects. Moving into district leadership presented a new learning curve, requiring me to shift from direct student impact to supporting educators on a broader scale. Despite these struggles, my resilience and dedication have allowed me to create meaningful change, ensuring that students and teachers have the support and opportunities they deserve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a District Fine Arts Facilitator, I support fine arts educators by providing resources, professional development, and strategic guidance to enhance arts education across the district. My role involves working closely with fine arts teachers to ensure they have the tools and support needed to create thriving programs. I specialize in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and program growth, particularly in choral music education. Throughout my career, I have built and expanded choir programs, secured funding through grants, and increased student participation and retention rates.
I am most proud of my ability to create opportunities for students who may not have otherwise had access to high-quality fine arts education. Whether it was starting a choral program from scratch, securing funding for student performance attire, or mentoring young educators, I have consistently worked to remove barriers and foster excellence.
What sets me apart is my unique blend of instructional leadership, strategic planning, and firsthand experience as a fine arts educator. My background in both education and business allows me to approach program development with a strategic mindset while maintaining a deep commitment to student and teacher success. As a Black woman in leadership, I also bring a perspective that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that fine arts programs serve and uplift all students.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Beyond my leadership role, I remain deeply connected to the arts as a performer. I have been invited to sing professionally for a varitety of events, and I currently serve as a staff singer at a local Episcopal church. These experiences not only keep me engaged as a musician but also enhance my ability to guide and support music educators from a performer’s perspective.
Beyond my district work, I stay engaged in the broader fine arts and education community. I am active in professional organizations, have presented at professional development sessions, and continue to mentor new and experienced music educators, alike. I believe in lifelong learning and staying connected to the evolving needs of fine arts education.
Arts Memberships: Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), Texas Music Adjudicators Association
(TMAA), and Texas Fine Arts Administrators (TFAA).
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