Teaching Our Teachers: Faculty Professional Development Day

Elementary school counselor, Mrs. Laura Gibson, and Elementary school art teacher, Mrs. Patti Pelham, led a breakout session about preventing burnout and reducing stress. They led a bilateral drawing exercise to demonstrate an easy way to reset and promote emotional regulation. Bilateral drawing is a mindfulness technique that involves using both hands simultaneously to make marks on paper to calm the nervous system and promote mental balance.

On Tuesday, October 14th, Saint James School faculty participated in our Professional Development Day. All teaching faculty, across all divisions PreK2-12th grade, attended teacher-led workshops, sessions, and talks. From topics ranging from technology in the classroom to mindfulness, our teachers were able to not only strengthen knowledge to be effective in the classroom, but also rejuvenate them to best care for students’ hearts.

Dr. Sallye York, STJ Director of the Arts, led an interactive session about forming relationships with students. All teachers strive to connect with students and form a team out of a classroom.

Throughout the year and over the summer months, our teachers participate in a variety of conferences, seminars, and workshops to develop skills and enhance student outcomes. These activities help educators refine their strategies, learn new methodologies, and stay current with best practices. Our teachers have learned from experts all over the country (and the world!), so they brought their knowledge back to campus to share with colleagues. Twenty of our teachers led breakout sessions and shared their experiences to benefit our entire staff. Teachers received a professional development certificate of completion, which goes toward the required state certification requirements.

At Saint James, we are focused on the important calling we have as educators. Our purpose is to build up every child from the inside out, to encourage each heart, to build character, and to elevate potential. #wearesaintjamesschool

Cultivating School Spirit On and Off the Field

Intro to Canvas for Teachers

Teach Like Walt Disney

Kahoot in the Classroom

Walking Your Way to Better Health

Drama Without Drama! Using Reader's Theater in Every Classroom

Orton-Gillingham in Action!

OnCampus, On Purpose!

John Wooden's Pyramid of Success

Discovering New Features in Seesaw

Building a Team Out of a Classroom- Focusing on Student Relationships

Fun and Challenging Learning Center

Using Thematic Units in a Preschool Classroom

Preventing Burnout! Teacher Self-Care Strategies

Constructing Effective Assessment Best-Practices

Conflict Resolution, Self-Regulation, and Classroom Management

Coaches Wear Many Hats

Developing Cross-Enrichment Units

You Could be the One! Creating Positive Relationships with Students

Cultivating School Spirit On and Off the Field Intro to Canvas for Teachers Teach Like Walt Disney Kahoot in the Classroom Walking Your Way to Better Health Drama Without Drama! Using Reader's Theater in Every Classroom Orton-Gillingham in Action! OnCampus, On Purpose! John Wooden's Pyramid of Success Discovering New Features in Seesaw Building a Team Out of a Classroom- Focusing on Student Relationships Fun and Challenging Learning Center Using Thematic Units in a Preschool Classroom Preventing Burnout! Teacher Self-Care Strategies Constructing Effective Assessment Best-Practices Conflict Resolution, Self-Regulation, and Classroom Management Coaches Wear Many Hats Developing Cross-Enrichment Units You Could be the One! Creating Positive Relationships with Students

Elementary technology teacher, Mrs. Tina Waggoner, led a session about utilizing the Seesaw app. Seesaw is an online classroom platform for students to document and share their learning through creative projects, and for teachers to assess and provide feedback.

Preschool teachers and assistants attended several breakout sessions focused on classroom management and implementing thematic units in grades PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4.

On Air: Adam in Alabama

Recently, STJ English teacher and AP Coordinator, Mr. Adam Osborn, joined host Karli on the podcast Coordinated, which spotlights superstars and unsung heroes in education. In this episode, Karli kicks off the state-by-state series in Montgomery, Alabama, highlighting Mr. Osborn’s dedication to celebrating student success and keeping the AP program shining bright.

Since joining the Saint James faculty in 2021, Mr. Osborn has made a significant impact on students both in and out of the classroom. He teaches English and Public Speaking, and serves as the Saint James AP Coordinator, guiding students through the school’s robust Advanced Placement program.

Approximately half of Saint James high school students enroll in the school’s 21 offered AP courses, taking more than 220 AP exams in 2025 alone. Thanks to the rigorous curriculum and dedicated instruction, Saint James students consistently score above state and national averages. In 2025, the school celebrated a 92% pass rate—meaning the majority of students scored a 3 or higher on their exams. AP courses are offered starting in ninth grade, and students may take as many classes as they qualify for, with an exam required in each course.

Listeners can hear important updates, best practices, and inspiring stories from AP coordinators and educators around the world. Press play to hear how Mr. Osborn reminds fellow coordinators just how much their work matters, while celebrating the achievements of Saint James students along the way.

Mr. Osborn earned a BA in English (minor in History) from Tulane University, and attended the University of Chicago, MA Program in the Humanities (Middle English Literature).

“Over the summer, I attended the APAC conference in Boston. I attended AP Coordinator sessions all day on both days I got to ask questions and learn best practices, but also meet and converse with AP Coordinators from all over the country. That’s how I ended up getting asked to do the podcast; one of the organizers of the sessions for experienced AP Coordinators suggested me to the producers of the Coordinated podcast!”

— Adam Osborn

Saint James Students Shine at YMCA Youth Judicial District Tournament

Youth Judicial Students with alum Atchison Hubbard ’17

On Saturday, October 4, three teams of Saint James students showcased their talent, teamwork, and critical thinking skills at the YMCA Youth Judicial District Tournament.

In this hands-on learning experience, students prepared both sides of a legal case—ready to serve as either attorneys or witnesses when called upon. With guidance from local attorneys, they learned how to craft persuasive opening statements, cross-examine witnesses, and perform effectively on the stand. The tournament gave students a first-hand look at the courtroom process and the importance of preparation, confidence, and collaboration.

Youth Judicial students with alum Mikal Webb ’15

Saint James was also proud to have two alumni, Atchison Hubbard ’17 and Mikal Webb ’15, return to campus to mentor the teams. Their real-world legal insight and encouragement helped the students bring professionalism and poise to each round of competition.

Two students, Haley Hust and Bailey Woods, served as judges during the trials, assisted by bailiffs Zach Rains and Hampton Johnson.

Two of the three Saint James teams qualified for the state tournament, where they will compete against teams from across Alabama in November.

District Tournament Teams

• Kaleigh Soto, HeeSoo Cho, Mary Ann Coon, Chloe Song, Arya Pate, Kevin Hwang, Lucas Kang, Abby White

• Maggie Harris, Kenley Roedl, Lily Stanford, Max Ward, Banks Henderson, Della Skelly

Congratulations to these outstanding students on their impressive showing and continued commitment to learning and leadership, on and off the witness stand! #wearesaintjamesschool

Youth Judicial students with faculty sponsor Mrs. Kiki Hughes.

Saint James Teacher and Coach Earns Master of Fine Arts

Saint James School is proud to celebrate Mrs. Evelyn Shoults, High School Visual Arts teacher and Varsity Cheer coach, on completing her Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Mrs Shoults has been at Saint James since 2010 and teaches AP Drawing, AP 2D Design, Visual Art, and Graphic Design.

Balancing full-time teaching and coaching with graduate-level coursework, Mrs. Shoults completed a rigorous program that included online classes, a thesis paper, and a culminating thesis show. Her exhibition and paper, “Daily Dose: Ritual, Recovery, and the Unheard Patient,” explore the intersection of art, personal experience, and systemic issues within the medical field.

“This exhibition explores the intersection of art, personal experience, and systemic issues in the medical field. Through my work, I visually translate the reality of life without a thyroid, using painting as a way to process my journey and address gaps in medical research and healthcare. My pieces highlight how the medical system often minimizes women’s concerns and fails to account for the complexities of the female body. By elevating everyday objects, such as pills, I aim to transform them into symbols of resilience, survival, and the ongoing fight for health.”

— Evelyn Shoults

Drawing from her own journey of life without a thyroid, Mrs. Shoults uses painting to process her experiences and to spotlight gaps in medical research and healthcare. Her work offers a powerful visual narrative of resilience and advocacy, which is an inspiration to students and colleagues.

Congratulations, Mrs. Shoults, on this outstanding achievement and for bringing both artistry and dedication to the Saint James community every day. #wearesaintjamesschool

Hashtag Heroes: 6th Graders Take Over Social Media

Evie with Mrs. Bartlett at the STJ Pep Rally.

What does it take to run the Saint James School social media accounts? Two of our 6th graders found out firsthand!

Through our annual springtime Sunrise to Sunset Auction, each student won the chance to serve as a “Social Media Intern for the Day,” part of our popular STJ Experiences. These unique experiences give students a hands-on look at life behind the scenes at Saint James. Auction experiences like Ball Boy for a football game, guest Cheerleader, or serving as Principal for the Day are some of the favorites.

Middle schooler Evie Dum took over Instagram at our recent “White Out” all-school pep rally, capturing the energy and excitement of the student section. From spirited cheers, to the football run out, Evelyn’s content highlighted the energy of the Trojans

Evelyn used a gimbal to capture smooth, dynamic video during the ‘White Out’ pep rally.

Later, 6th grader Leo Weber explored the creative side of our campus. He documented elementary school artwork, took photos and videos, and even interviewed our art teacher to share insights about the process behind the sweet paintings.

Leo and Mrs. Bartlett captured photos and video in the elementary school.

Students also joined Mrs. Bartlett, Director of Communications, Marketing, and Engagement, in the office to work on communication timelines, a content calendar, and even day-to-day tasks like purchase orders and emails.

Both Evie and Leo learned that running school’s social media is more than just taking fun pictures, it’s about storytelling, engaging visuals, and creativity that help share the Saint James spirit with the community. Their work gave our followers a fresh, student-centered perspective and a behind-the-scenes look at campus life.

They also discovered the strategy behind social media like how planning, timing, and attention to detail all come together to tell a story. By stepping into the shoes of a social media intern, Evie and Leo got a taste of the exciting world of digital marketing and content creation.

Thank you to our Sunrise to Sunset Auction participants for making experiences like this possible, and thank you to Evelyn and Leo for bringing such energy and enthusiasm to their days on the job! Check out their work on Instagram @stjmontgomery! #wearesaintjamesschool

Leo interviewed elementary enrichment teacher, Mrs. Patti Pelham ‘96, about the process students used to create ice cream artwork on display in the halls. He took detailed noted and helped craft a social media caption that accompanied the reel he edited and posted to Instagram and Facebook. Hands-on experiences like this allow students to step outside of the classroom and take a peek into real-world careers.

Ahoy from AP US History!

by: Heesoo Cho, Class of 2027

Ahoy matey! Welcome aboard!

On August 20, 2025, in the small APUSH classroom, a fierce battle took place between two pirate ships: the Frootloop and the Optimus Prime. But instead of ships, we had desks and, instead of pirates, we had 11 friends determined to defeat the other side. 

Like she does every year, Mrs. Hughes, for a fun, exciting day for a stress free environment, sets up a pirate day for all of us to enjoy. Though we didn’t board any actual ships, we experienced as much as the class participated in activities to protect their vessels . 

The Frootloops were victorious.

We pushed our desks together and formed two crews: the Frootloops and the Optimus Primes. There were many quests we had to complete in order to keep our ship afloat, starting with finding our way across the ocean. Using the two provided atlases, each crew was able to navigate across the world, locating destinations from the lists we were provided. We then created our own rules for the crew on board as well as punishments, solved a math problem to split the gold equally, and wrote thesis statements on why people chose to become pirates. 

Though both ships succeeded in completing these tasks, I’m happy to say, as a member of the Frootloops, we were victorious in our battle and were awarded with well-deserved chocolate and candy. What a fun day!

From Student to Successor: A Full-Circle Moment for Mattie Claire Jones ’20

Sometimes, a teacher plants a seed that grows for years …quietly and steadily until it blooms in the most beautiful and unexpected way.

Ms. Jones and Mrs. Sherman with the book, A Letter to My Teacher .

When Mattie Claire Jones walked into Mrs. Ann Sherman’s second grade classroom as a curious 8-year-old, she had no idea she’d one day step into the very same room years later as its teacher. This fall, after earning her degree from Troy University and completing her education training, Mattie Claire is doing just that - returning to STJ not just as an alumna, but as the newest second grade teacher, taking Mrs. Sherman’s place after her well-earned retirement.

While studying elementary education at Troy University, Mattie Claire felt what many students feel during the stress of finals and term papers… a bit of doubt. She loved her program, but the exhaustion of studying clouded her senses, and she wondered if she had chosen the right field. Then, she read the children’s book

A Letter to My Teacher as part of a college assignment. The story renewed her passion for education and inspired her to write her own heartfelt letter to Mrs. Sherman, the teacher who first showed her the joy and magic of learning. Writing the letter as a college sophomore set to motion a quiet, but powerful pull that would lead her back to Saint James.

To watch a former student grow into a colleague is a rare and beautiful thing. And for Mattie Claire, it’s not just a job- it’s a calling, inspired by one unforgettable teacher.

“I believe that teaching is not a job, it is a calling. There is no greater gift than to see a student thrive. It has been such a blessing and pleasure to be able to watch Mattie Claire go from student to teacher. I could not be more proud. I love her with all my heart!”

— Mrs. Ann Sherman

Ms. Jones awarded Mrs. Sherman the 2025 G. Stanley Frazer Faculty Award.

That wasn’t the last time Mattie Claire would honor her mentor. At Saint James Commencement this past May, she had the joy of awarding Mrs. Sherman the 2025 G. Stanley Frazer Faculty Award, a recognition that felt as personal as it was meaningful. And now, with the same warm spirit and love for learning that Mrs. Sherman once showed her, Mattie Claire is ready to welcome a new generation of students into the classroom.

Welcome home, Ms. Jones! Your second grade students are lucky already!

#wearesaintjamesschool

A Letter to My Teacher, by Deborah Hopkinson, inspired Mattie Claire Jones to write her own letter to second grade teacher, Mrs. Ann Sherman. Now, Mattie Claire is stepping into her shoes and Mrs. Sherman enters retirement after 28 years at Saint James School.

Alabama Girls Sate: How to be an Active and Patriotic Woman of this Country

by: MaryEllis Killough, class of 2026

MaryEllis campaigned and was elected Girls State Speaker of the House.

This spring, I was asked countless times if I was excited to go to Alabama Girls State. To be completely honest, I had no idea what I was getting into. All I knew was that every school sent one girl to participate in a week-long program, where we would participate in mock legislative sessions and listen to speakers. Little did I know, it was so much more influential and exciting than some mock debate and boring lectures. I was about to embark on a week full of amazing opportunities, surrounded by some of Alabama’s brightest minds. The lessons and connections I was about to make would last a lifetime and teach me more about myself.

MaryEllis with Saint James alumnae and U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco ’98.

The whole week was orchestrated by the American Legion Auxiliary and hosted at the University of Alabama. Depending on the floor and area you were dorming at the Tutwiler dormitory, you were placed into a fictional Alabama city and county. I was a part of the city Wiregrass in Jordan county (3rd floor). We were further divided into separate political parties, Federalists and Nationalists, that organized their own platforms and elected primary candidates. Then, we were divided among the two congressional chambers, where I presided, to debate bills.

MaryEllis (right), pictured with past STJ Girls State delegate, Anna Dickey ‘23.

Everyday, we experienced different aspects of our duties as a citizen of Alabama and America. From literal experiences, like plurality voting and parliamentary process, to the less concrete, like voicing your opinions and understanding the freedom of this country, we learned what it meant to be an active and patriotic woman of this country.

We heard from an array of powerful voices from all sides of society, like Senator Britt, State Treasurer Boozer, Governor Kay Ivey, and many more. My favorite was a former North Korean citizen and popular internet personality, Yeonmi Park. She, as well as many of the other speakers, detailed the events that lead them to this very moment. All of them expressed how deeply important our democracy is and how we are the future leaders of that very system.

All in all, the experience was amazing. I have never felt more confidence in my and I am eternally grateful to Saint James for sending me. #Wearesaintjamesschool

MaryEllis appeared on CBS 42 News

A History Teacher at Heart

Earlier this spring, Saint James fourth graders had the unique opportunity to explore Alabama’s role in the Civil Rights Movement through an engaging and thoughtful lesson led by Dr. Larry McLemore (‘00). A familiar face at our school, Dr. McLemore is not only a longtime administrator, but also a former history teacher with a passion for bringing the past to life.

Dr. McLemore guided students through some of the most pivotal events in Alabama history between 1954 and 1965, a period that reshaped the nation and our own city. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Selma to Montgomery marches, students examined the people, places, and protests that defined the Civil Rights Movement.

The lesson went beyond textbook facts. Dr. McLemore encouraged discussion, asked questions, and invited students to consider the courage and conviction it took to stand up for equality. We’re grateful to Dr. McLemore for continuing to share his love of history with the next generation of learners. #wearesaintjamesschool

88th Annual Alabama Boys State

by: Luke Catchings, class of 2026

Saint James School Boys State Delegate- Luke Catchings

Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 88th Annual Alabama Boys State, held at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Hosted by the American Legion, Boys State brings together over 500 high school students from across the state to learn about leadership, government, and civic responsibility through a week of immersive, hands-on experiences in a simulated state government. I arrived not knowing exactly what to expect, but I left having grown in ways I never imagined.

When we arrived, we were divided into cities (about 50 students), counties (100–150), and political parties (around 250). I was lucky enough to be placed in Cook City 10-aka, the best city. This group became like a second family, as we spent the most time together throughout the week. I was also placed in Lincoln County, made up of Cities 9 and 10, and was part of the Nationalist Party.

Luke with fellow Boys State delegates.

The first few days were focused on elections for city, county, and state government positions. This meant jumping into introductions, campaign speeches, and leadership pitches, often in front of hundreds of people. I was honored to be elected Vice Chairman of my political party, a role that allowed me to collaborate with fellow party leaders to shape our platform, organize meetings, and rally support for our candidates. I was also elected Circuit Clerk for my county, a position that may fly under the radar, but plays a big role in the legal system by keeping court records and proceedings in order.

In the second half of the week, we transitioned from elections to legislation. Each county was given a mock budget and two real-world problems to solve. With only four hours, we had to research, develop practical solutions, coordinate with our city and state governments, and create a presentation outlining our proposals. It was fast-paced, collaborative, and one of the most valuable team experiences I’ve ever had. We also had the chance to take a trip to Montgomery, where we toured the State Capitol and visited the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which was an incredibly moving and humbling experience. As part of the Engineering interest group, I also visited Montgomery Whitewater, where we met local engineers and learned about the design and function behind the scenes. That visit was fascinating and gave me new insight into how engineering shapes public spaces.

While I’m proud of the positions I held and the work we did, the most impactful part of Boys State was the people. I met students from all over Alabama. Whether we were debating policy, sharing ideas, or just hanging out between sessions, we built friendships I know will last far beyond the week.

“The energy and drive of everyone there was contagious, and it pushed me to become a stronger leader, listener, and teammate.”

I’m incredibly thankful to God, my school, my parents, and the American Legion for giving me this life-changing opportunity. And to everyone I met along the way…thank you for making this experience so memorable. #wearesaintjamesschool

The 88th Annual Boys State