ARCHIVED—James Robert Cram
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Year: 2006 – Province: British Columbia
Certificate of Achievement Recipient
School: Ladysmith Secondary School
710-6th Avenue
Ladysmith, British Columbia
V9G 1A2
Principal: John Blain
School Telephone: 250-245-3043
School Fax: 250-245-4333
Grades/Subjects Taught: Grade 8-11, Pathfinders, Chemistry
Teaching Approach:
- Within the formal classroom setting there isn't a "class", instead there is a group of individuals with distinct abilities and needs, and they are all looked after.
- Motivates students to achieve the best of their ability, no matter their learning style.
- Constantly reinvents himself to meet the needs of students.
- Mentors new teachers and organizes staff social events to strengthen the teaching team.
- Interacts with students and provides learning and leadership during extracurricular activities.
Outstanding Achievements:
- Mr. Cram developed and promoted the Pathfinder lab at Ladysmith Secondary School, where students are able to take course designed to meet graduation requirements and work independently within fields that interest them. He has developed specific packages of materials to assist those who require special courses for their post-secondary studies - courses which the school would not have been able to offer in a regular classroom setting. Most Pathfinder programs have remained focused on remedial and student support models. Mr. Cram developed Ladysmith's program to deliver full grade eight to twelve course offerings, with a strong component of high academic courses. He works with all learners and their diversities while maintaining an individual student focus.
- Mr. Cram has begun working on the redesign of the learning lab using Web CT to create an e-learning component. This will support students who are not able to attend school on a structured basis to continue to maintain their academic progress. Web CT has also given the school the ability to work closely with the Chemanuis First Nation students who are unable to attend school. Mr. Cram has spearheaded a new initiative to connect these students to a satellite program on band land to engage these students in learning.
- Mr. Cram has served on almost every school committee at Ladysmith. He is also an active member of the Science Teachers Association and has served on the provincial examination marking committee.
Rave Reviews:
"Jim is almost always the first person to school each day, despite the fact he spends many pre-dawn hours working to feed the less fortunate in our community. When he arrives, his room soon fills up with students seeking his guidance and help with their school work. In many cases, these students are not even in Jim's classes." - Science Department Head, Ladysmith Secondary School
"Mr. Cram doesn't just have students but friends as well. We look to him not only for the material that we are required to learn, but also for guidance in our present and future. He has made an impact on all our lives." - Student
"Mr. Cram has developed outstanding relations with the students at LSS. He is highly regarded and respected and has an excellent rapport with all students. Students actively seek him out for advice and support. They listen to him and follow his directions." - Principal, Ladysmith Secondary School