This year, James Van Atta is a new middle school teaching fellow, working under Green Chile teacher Mr. Jake Herrin in the history department. He is also a swimming coach for Charger Aquatics.
Mr. Van Atta is from Denver, Colorado. He enjoys multiple hobbies including hiking and skiing. He attended Indiana University and then the U.S. Army Academy at West Point. Mr. Van Atta graduated and rose to become a colonel in the United States Army, where he served for 27 years. He says the experience was “very rewarding and very challenging.” During his service in the army, he fought in Iraq twice and Afghanistan once.
In his free time, Mr. Van Atta usually goes mountain biking, golfing, or skiing, which he hopes to do someday in Europe with his family. He enjoyed the same things in Colorado, which influenced him to move to Albuquerque after his military service, along with the mild weather here. He said that he “wanted to live in the western parts of the United States,” and likes Albuquerque.
While living in New Mexico, he decided to pursue a new career in teaching since he enjoys “helping kids out” at school and teaching them, especially history. Although initially he looked for a job with Albuquerque Public Schools, he decided to teach at Albuquerque Academy since he was already coaching swimming for Charger Aquatics and has a daughter attending the school. Mr. Van Atta rates Mr. Herrin, his mentor in the program, highly, and says that he “helps him focus specifically on the students.” Mr. Van Atta said he wants to continue teaching history and be “heavily involved in the community.” He is enjoying life here in Albuquerque and enjoys Albuquerque Academy, especially the campus. We are excited to see what Mr. Van Atta has to offer.