James Emmi

VDA Teacher since 2017

Tell me a little about your personal and educational background.
As a native of Delaware, I attended the Charter School of Wilmington for high school and graduated from Temple University in 2013. Over my college years, I double-majored in English Literature and FMA, Film and Media Arts. My interest in these subjects and the arts in general remains strong, but in recent years, history has developed as another strong passion of mine.

What brought you to VanDamme Academy?
During a vacation to Southern California, I was fortunate to meet Miss VanDamme and to take a tour of VDA. I came to love the atmosphere and the general philosophy of the school, so when I learned of a job opening several months later, I immediately applied. Miss VanDamme would later boast of her “psychic abilities,” having known all along my path would eventually lead me back to the school.

When and why did you decide to become a teacher?
My first position at VanDamme Academy was the office manager, and I served in this role for two years before being promoted to a full-time teacher. Although I already desired to teach by then, my experience in the classroom confirmed this as the path I wanted to take. My motivation to teach is to impart a love of learning to students, as well as to stay educated, thoughtful, and well-read as an adult. Teaching at VDA allows me to do both.

What do you do in your free time?
I read books, dabble in fiction, and listen to history lectures. I take long hikes and beach walks with my dog Plato. I am friends with teachers at the school, and I enjoy spending time with them outside the classroom.