Dr. James holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership for Schools and School Districts, a Master’s Degree in Reading Instruction, and a Bachelor’s Degree in English. All of his degrees are from American universities, and he is a licensed teacher in the USA. His doctoral dissertation explored job satisfaction of expatriate teachers at international schools in Asia, while his master’s thesis focused on implementing reading programs in schools with high numbers of English language learners. Dr. James has extensive accreditation experience and has successfully led WASC accreditation at numerous international schools in Asia.

Dr. James has senior leadership (Head of School and Principal) experience in Vietnam, Myanmar, China, and Thailand and has led schools at all levels: ECE, elementary, secondary. Safeguarding and child protection are paramount for Dr. James. He holds a strong “One School” philosophy and believes in the importance of all divisions working as one unit. Additionally, Dr. James believes in the power of building a strong school community while viewing parents as partners in their child's educational and social emotional development.