Press Releases
Ryan James Named 2019 Lowell Milken Center Fellow
June 1, 2019
FORT SCOTT, KS – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to civics/economics teacher, Ryan James, of Lucille M. Brown Middle School in Richmond, VA. Ryan will arrive in Fort Scott on June 16th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff.
The LMC Fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit to educators who have distinguished themselves in teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning or who have the potential for this distinction. The Center selects exemplary teachers from across America and Europe, drawn from a variety of disciplines, to collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Ryan James is the 2017 Milken Educator from Virginia. As a civics/economics teacher, one of Ryan's main goal is to make sure his students are aware of their rights and their role in the political process. Ryan typically teaches in the co-taught setting, working with students with disabilities. He encourages his students to work hard and to view their obstacles as challenges to overcome instead of problems they do not want to face. He works to keep students engaged in the classroom by incorporating music, as well as social media trends and challenges, in his lessons.
Ryan's influence is felt throughout the school as he has held several leadership positions during his eight years at Lucille Brown. He has served as the 7th grade team leader and has been a part of the School Planning Management Team. In addition to this he has served as the coach of the boys' basketball and flag football teams for the last five seasons. Ryan takes an active role in preparing students for their future by helping them research colleges and other career opportunities. Ryan was able to organize several field trips to tour his alma mater, James Madison University, in an effort to expose students to college and higher education.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, "Ryan motivates his students to be responsible, caring, and engaged citizens, not only in the classroom, but also within their communities. We welcome him as an exemplary Fellow and role model for other educators."
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world throughout history.
To schedule interviews or for more information, please contact:
Norm Conard
Executive Director
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
1 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: (620) 223-1312
nconard@lowellmilkencenter.org
www.lowellmilkencenter.org
2019 Lowell Milken Center Fellow
Name: Ryan James
School: Lucille M. Brown Middle School
Subject: Civics/Economics Teacher
6300 Jahnke Rd.
Richmond, VA 23225
Cell Phone: (804) 920-3690
ranthonyj27@gmail.com