This is the first in Lancer Media’s Back to School Series:  People You Need to Know.  The staff members profiled in this series were selected because they influence freshmen success. 

After teaching middle school social studies for 13 years, Mr. James Hines decided to make the shift to high school history. He quickly realized how much he loved teaching high school. His only regret is that he didn’t make the transition sooner! Last year he taught American Studies II and Government. This year he will be teaching AP US History as well as American Studies II.

Hines’ main goal while teaching is to learn and have fun doing it. Project-based learning, along with other innovative ideas, keeps his class exciting.

Not only does he teach history, but he co-advises the freshman class council alongside Mrs. Ilana Blum. Their goals this year are to “hit the ground running” by getting things started early and building off of last year. It is very rewarding for him to be able to interact with the ninth graders since he will not be teaching a ninth grade class this year.

In his free time, he enjoys any activity that keeps him moving. From basketball to mountain biking, he stays very active. Music is another hobby he enjoys.  In the past he has played in guitar and bass in bands.  Perhaps his most shocking interest, however, lies with cars. Over his life span he has owned a total of 32 cars!

Teaching is his real calling, and he says he wouldn’t give his students up for the world.