James Russell Lancaster

1717 Valhalla Arch, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 |410-493-7173 | jamruslanc@gmail.com

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY

Innovative educator using a variety of methods and styles to reach students both inside and
outside of the classroom
Veteran mentor of new teachers, helping them in lesson and unit development and
navigating school culture
Experienced leader, leading the grade team in both short and long term curriculum
development and creation of interdisciplinary grade level projects
Skillful communicator and experienced host of professional development sessions, both on
campus and through the Association of Maryland Independent Schools
Dynamic varsity coach for sixteen years, hiring and mentoring coaches and counseling
athletes, while seeing teams double in size and win seven Interscholastic Athletic Association
of Maryland championships
Certified teacher by State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Virginia in secondary history
and social studies
Proficient in a variety of computer platforms and programs, including Microsoft Office,
Apple OS X, Canvas LMS, Blackboard, and Google Apps
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Grade Chair/Teacher/Head Varsity Coach

2009-2016
The Bryn Mawr School, Baltimore, MD
Taught middle school United States History and Twentieth Century History, incorporating a
variety of teaching techniques to address the needs of the students including class flipping,
small group, and one-to-one technology integration
Redesigned sixth-grade history curriculum to incorporate the use of one-to-one laptops and
online textbooks and resources
Mentored new teachers (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) to help them become established in the
Bryn Mawr school community and focus on long and short term planning
Served on Bryn Mawr Middle Schools professional development, scheduling and
community-service learning, and teacher evaluation committees
Led sixth grade teacher team, directing bi-weekly meetings, organizing interdisciplinary field
trips bridging history, science, English and the arts, retooled culminating interdisciplinary
project focusing on Baltimores past and future, and booking of nationally renowned
speakers
Worked on schools planning committee focusing on sustainability and marketability of the
school in the Baltimore independent school market
Aided in the recruitment of qualified candidates for open positions
Advised three cohorts of students through middle school years focusing on topics such as
academic progress, navigation of social turmoil, and friendship situations
Received The Ella Speer Colhoun & Elizabeth Atkinson Reynolds Fund Prize for dedication
to students beyond the scope and measurements of classroom performance, and the Garro
Award for excellence in coaching
Guided the Cross Country program to IAAM Conference Championship (2012) and
Runner-up performances (2010, 2011, 2014)
Teacher/Assistant Director of Athletics/Head Varsity Coach
Seton Keough High School, Baltimore, MD

2004-2009

Taught a variety of high school subjects, including World History, Honors United States
History, Child Development, and American Government incorporating a variety of teaching
techniques to address the needs of the students including cooperative learning, small group
instruction, and simulations
Responsible for and assisted in departmental budgeting and transportation, scheduling of
events, hiring of coaches, contracting of training staff, coordinating with the parents booster
club, and directed communications and community relations for the Athletic Department
Guided Indoor Track program to IAAM Championships and number one Baltimore Metro
rankings (2007, 2008), Cross Country program to an IAAM Championship (2005), while
being named Baltimore Sun 2008 All Metro Indoor Track Coach of the Year and 2005
Baltimore City Cross Country Coach of the Year

Social Studies Teacher/ Technology Coordinator

2000-2004
Lakeland School, Baltimore City Public School System, Baltimore, MD
Planned and taught Middle School curriculum using a variety of strategies including whole
and small group, cooperative learning, and technology integration in the discipline of social
studies
Led technology-related professional development and helped maintain the computer
network throughout the academic year
Mentored new teachers to the Baltimore City Public School System, helping them with
lesson planning and curriculum development
Served as social studies department head, responsible for curriculum development and
textbook ordering and distribution
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teacher/Coach
Cape Henry Collegiate, Virginia Beach, VA
Executed substitute teaching plans for middle and high school students
Aided in training and building of upper school cross country program

2016-present

Instructor
Summers 2003-2015
Gilman School Learning Camp, Baltimore, MD
Worked with gifted, at-risk third, fourth and fifth grade inner-city students, teaching
mathematics, reading, and basic computer skills in an enrichment program
Assisted in coordinating transportation for students from their zoned schools to campus
EDUCATION
The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Master of Arts, Teaching
GPA - 3.98
Bachelor of Arts, History
GPA - 3.03

May 2001
May 1999