Jim Fenner

Jim has lived a stone’s throw away from the Oakwood Friends School campus for most of his life and enthusiastically joined the faculty in 2022 as History Teacher for 6th, 7th and 8th grades. After graduating from Columbia University’s Teachers College, Jim helped direct the Student Press Initiative, an inquiry-based professional development firm that has produced over 100 ISBN-registered books written by student authors. He has also worked as a journalist, a designer, a digital strategist, a test-prep tutor, and the co-director of a technology firm that utilized machine learning. He brings a deep passion for exploring history through engaging, immersive, project-based learning that highlights under-celebrated and marginalized stories.

Jim lives just off-campus with his wife, Caroline, his children Cormac and Suzi, and his dogs Billy, Bonnie and Baby. He has performed as a touring guitarist and volunteers his time and digital expertise to progressive and environmental organizations around the world.

Education: B.A., 20th Century American Literature/Pre-Medical Training, Northwestern University; B.A. Secondary English Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

Professional Affiliations: The Climate Foundation

Clubs, Teams & Activities: Adobe Academy, Random Acts of Senseless Kindness (RASK), Chai Chat, Documentary Filmmaking, Yearbook, Website, Model UN, Thirds Soccer Coach