Fifth and Sixth Grade Teacher

Mr. Matt James likes teaching at Vienna Adventist Academy because he believes that "In the highest sense, the work of education and the work of redemption are one." Ed. Page 30

Mr. James' involvement with VAA began as a parent. His two daughters graduated from VAA. He served on the school board and in 1997 he joined the teaching staff. Since that time, he has taught the 5th and 6th grades, the 9th grade and now he is the teacher in grades four, five and six.

Mr. James will be continuing the Chess Club this year. He believes the game of chess encourages the development of spatial intelligence, which helps one see and put into practical use, what is in the mind. Mr. James quotes Goethe saying, "Chess is gymnasium of the mind."

Mr. James strives to keep Christ at the center of all classroom activities. "Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them." Deuteronomy 6:1 and 7

Mr. James has many interests. He enjoys reading and photography, and collects old books, lighthouse "stuff", and cameras. He also enjoys time spent in Bible study. With their daughters grown, Matt and his wife Bonita are spending their time gardening and staying fit through tennis and fitness walking.  One of his daughters is married and lives in the Netherlands, and the other daughter is in graduate school.  Keeping physically fit follows habits formed during the 26 years he served in the military with the U.S. Coast Guard. Mr. James has a BS in Physical Education, an AS in Electronic Engineering and a Master's degree in Elementary Education.

 

Parents say they like Mr. James and his upbeat, steady, Christian presence in the classroom. He is a positive role model for our students. He serves as a lay elder at the Vienna SDA Church and is the leader of a Bible study group on Wednesday evenings. 

Stop and talk to Matt. Find out more about him and Vienna Adventist Academy — where the academic success and spiritual growth of our children is of the utmost importance.