William H. James, Ph.D.
For over sixty years, from 1933 to 1994, William "Bill" H. James was a teacher and education administrator at all levels of schooling from elementary through higher education.
Born in 1910 in North Providence, Rhode Island, Bill graduated from high school at the age of 16 after attending three different one-room schoolhouses and two city schools in Michigan, one elementary school in Massachusetts, one high school in Connecticut and one high school in Rhode Island. A year abroad from 1928 to 1929 was spent in post-secondary studies at the University of Laussane in Switzerland and Odenwaldschule in Germany. These experiences with young people from all over the world, along with his extensive travels throughout parts of Europe, increased James' interest in world wide political affairs and many of the social sciences. He graduated from Brown University in 1933 with a Ph.B and began his education career in New Canaan, Connecticut, teaching mathematics and science. He also taught in Easton, Connecticut, where he became a teaching principal.
Bill served in the military from 1942-1946. He enlisted as a private, was transferred to the US Army Air Forces, and served primarily as a combat intelligence officer with the 20th Bomber Command in India, China and the Pacific. He served in five campaigns, including Air Offensive Japan and earned three medals and a Distinguished Unit Badge. He left the service with a rank of Major.
Returning to the world of education, Bill received both his MA degree in 1948 and his Ph.D. in 1955 from Yale University. He continued to work as a teacher, principal, superintendent of schools and adjunct professor at SCSU, WCSU and the University of Bridgeport.
When Dr. James arrived in Branford as its Superintendent of Schools in 1958, the economy was in recession and the town was growing rapidly, while many of the social and educational values of society were changing. When he left office in 1966, Branford was considered one of the most forward-looking systems in the area. Branford was recognized for expanding higher education possibilities for a large portion of BHS graduates and for its innovative programs in career and vocational education. Learning opportunities for special education children grew beyond the expectation of the times and programs in the fine arts became a reality in all of the schools. The construction of the high school was completed and two new elementary schools, Brushy Plains and Damascus, were planned, constructed and put into operation. Core courses underwent significant change and each earned statewide reputation for excellence. On his suggestion, computerized scheduling went into effect making the high school the third school in the state to introduce this procedure.
During 1966-1977, Dr. James was the Associate Director to the Connecticut Commission for Higher Education. His major responsibilities were accreditation and scholarships. He was an adjunct professor at SCSU, Univ. of New Haven and Teikyo Post Univ. from 1978- 1994. In 1976, the University of New Haven awarded him an honorary doctoral degree. Dr. James lives in Northford with his wife Virginia. He has one daughter, Hillery James-Chung.
Dr. James served as a wise planner for Branford, but perhaps his greatest contribution to the public schools was the continual encouragement and support he provided for administrators and teachers to reach for higher standards. His professional demeanor and positive manner set the tone for education in Branford during his tenure. He clearly understood that education is a growth enterprise and had the ability to foster the adoption of this concept by a large portion of the Branford community.
For the wisdom, skill and leadership he exhibited in fostering educational growth in Branford as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William Hall James has earned a place in Branford's Educational Hall of Fame.
Born in 1910 in North Providence, Rhode Island, Bill graduated from high school at the age of 16 after attending three different one-room schoolhouses and two city schools in Michigan, one elementary school in Massachusetts, one high school in Connecticut and one high school in Rhode Island. A year abroad from 1928 to 1929 was spent in post-secondary studies at the University of Laussane in Switzerland and Odenwaldschule in Germany. These experiences with young people from all over the world, along with his extensive travels throughout parts of Europe, increased James' interest in world wide political affairs and many of the social sciences. He graduated from Brown University in 1933 with a Ph.B and began his education career in New Canaan, Connecticut, teaching mathematics and science. He also taught in Easton, Connecticut, where he became a teaching principal.
Bill served in the military from 1942-1946. He enlisted as a private, was transferred to the US Army Air Forces, and served primarily as a combat intelligence officer with the 20th Bomber Command in India, China and the Pacific. He served in five campaigns, including Air Offensive Japan and earned three medals and a Distinguished Unit Badge. He left the service with a rank of Major.
Returning to the world of education, Bill received both his MA degree in 1948 and his Ph.D. in 1955 from Yale University. He continued to work as a teacher, principal, superintendent of schools and adjunct professor at SCSU, WCSU and the University of Bridgeport.
When Dr. James arrived in Branford as its Superintendent of Schools in 1958, the economy was in recession and the town was growing rapidly, while many of the social and educational values of society were changing. When he left office in 1966, Branford was considered one of the most forward-looking systems in the area. Branford was recognized for expanding higher education possibilities for a large portion of BHS graduates and for its innovative programs in career and vocational education. Learning opportunities for special education children grew beyond the expectation of the times and programs in the fine arts became a reality in all of the schools. The construction of the high school was completed and two new elementary schools, Brushy Plains and Damascus, were planned, constructed and put into operation. Core courses underwent significant change and each earned statewide reputation for excellence. On his suggestion, computerized scheduling went into effect making the high school the third school in the state to introduce this procedure.
During 1966-1977, Dr. James was the Associate Director to the Connecticut Commission for Higher Education. His major responsibilities were accreditation and scholarships. He was an adjunct professor at SCSU, Univ. of New Haven and Teikyo Post Univ. from 1978- 1994. In 1976, the University of New Haven awarded him an honorary doctoral degree. Dr. James lives in Northford with his wife Virginia. He has one daughter, Hillery James-Chung.
Dr. James served as a wise planner for Branford, but perhaps his greatest contribution to the public schools was the continual encouragement and support he provided for administrators and teachers to reach for higher standards. His professional demeanor and positive manner set the tone for education in Branford during his tenure. He clearly understood that education is a growth enterprise and had the ability to foster the adoption of this concept by a large portion of the Branford community.
For the wisdom, skill and leadership he exhibited in fostering educational growth in Branford as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William Hall James has earned a place in Branford's Educational Hall of Fame.