Dr. James Troutman is a native Texan who graduated from DeBakey HSHP in Houston and received a Bachelor’s Degree at University of Houston -Downtown, a Master’s Degree – Prairie View A&M, and a Doctorate of Education from University of Houston. He’s a life-long educator and administrator with over 30 years of experience serving diverse student populations, his philosophy is based on the importance of preparing all students to meet the challenges of being productive citizens in a global society. He began his career in education as a classroom teacher serving diverse learners at Burnet Elementary School in Houston. Dr. Troutman has served as a principal in Houston and in Austin. Much of my career has included teaching, mentoring, coaching, and serving not only ESL/bilingual students, but also faculty, staff, parents and community members.
In addition to being the principal, head of schools, instructional leader, and operations manager of eight different schools, he has had the opportunity to open two charter high schools. The experience of planning, marketing, recruiting staff and students to full enrollment was invaluable.
In 2018 upon retiring from the public school system, he worked in the publishing/literacy solutions industry as an educational consultant and an educational hardware consultative salesperson.
He decided to return to the classroom in 2024. Currently, he teaches middle and high school students the art of public speech and debate. Public speaking and debating are crucial in the modern world. Both skills enhance communication as well as build confidence. They foster critical thinking, speaking, and listening, which are crucial in-demand skills to become a productive citizen.
His greatest professional achievements have included the accomplishments and successes of his former students as teachers, lawyers, engineers, electricians, plumbers and military officers. His professional goal continues to be to serve all students to meet their educational goals and to prepare them for future academic and career aspirations.