Darius Ellis James

About Darius Ellis James

I am a highly skilled and experienced edutech professional with a Doctorate in Education concentrating in curriculum and instruction. I have a proven track record of success in designing and implementing effective educational programs, strong leadership abilities, and exceptional communication skills. I have experience collaborating with teachers, administrators, district leaders, school superintendents, and community members to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the mission and goals of educational institutions. I am passionate about creating innovative and engaging learning environments, designing curriculum; and I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends in computer science education. As the Program Director of Teacher Professional Development at CodeCrew PD, I am responsible for leading the strategic vision of our Memphis-based center. Our mission is to train and equip K-12 teachers to effectively teach computer science to their students. Join me in making a significant impact on education and shaping the future of computer science education. With your help we can revolutionize computer science education by empowering teachers and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Together, we can create a brighter future through quality education.

Experience

1. Program Director of Teacher Professional Development

   Codecrew

   Jun 2023 — Present · Memphis, TN, US

   Key Responsibilities-Lead and direct the strategic vision of CodeCrew PD, scaling up the number of teachers prepared to integrate quality computer science education into the classroom. Our goal is to expand our reach from Memphis to the tri-state region and nationwide-Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for teachers, covering curriculum development, lesson planning, classroom management, and instruction on computer science concepts and technologies. Through our training, teachers will gain expertise in programming languages, algorithms, data structures, databases, and software development methodologies-Provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities to teachers, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in computer science education-Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop and refine training materials, resources, and assessments, including lesson plans, activities, and assessments that teachers can readily utilize in their classrooms-Foster strong relationships with educational institutions, school districts, and stakeholders, advocating for and promoting computer science education locally and beyond-Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in teacher professional development and computer science education, incorporating them into our program design and delivery-Lead a team of trainers and support staff, offering guidance, mentorship, and performance management to ensure the success of our programs-Track and evaluate program outcomes and impact, utilizing data-driven insights to continually enhance and refine our professional development offerings-Collaborate with fundraising and development teams to secure necessary funding and resources to sustain and expand our programs and initiatives-Represent CodeCrew PD as an ambassador and thought leader in the field of computer science education for K-12 teachers at conferences, events, and meetings.

Education

• Morehouse College

  Bachelors degree, Biology, General, 3.24

  2010 — 2015

• Southeastern University

  Doctor of Education - EdD, Curriculum and Instruction, 3.9

  2019 — 2022

• The University of Memphis

  Masters degree, Public Health, Concentration: Environmental Health, 3.81

  2016 — 2018

• Grand Canyon University

  Masters degree, Secondary Education and Teaching, 4.0

  2017 — 2019