Dr. Jim Furman, Executive Director. Jim began his career as an English teacher at Fannie C. Williams Middle School in New Orleans. He later served as a faculty member in English Education at the University of Delaware and the University of New Orleans before returning to the classroom as a teacher and teacher leader at North High School in Denver.
He has coached future, novice, and veteran teachers from Kindergarten through 12th grade in literacy, social studies, math, and science; supported school leaders in urban schools to build and improve systems of teacher professional development; redesigned teacher preparation programs, field experiences, and assessments; and conducted research focused on teacher preparation and adolescent literacy.
He earned a Ph.D. in Teaching & Learning and M.Ed. in Reading Education from Vanderbilt University, and is a graduate of DePauw University (English Literature).