Takeshi M JamesTakeshi M. James is a principal in the Chicago Public Schools System. Before becoming a principal, Takeshi served as assistant principal, literacy coach, mentor for Chicago Teacher Advancement Program, (TAP), and a teacher all within this same distrit. She attended Grambling State University for 3 years, transferred to Chicago State University, where she received her Bachelor's and two Master Degrees (with specialties in early childhood, literacy, curriculum development and administration). She has been serving within Chicago Public Schools for 23 years. Takeshi values quality time with her family, is the single parent of one son and is truly grateful for her life's journey thus far! Before Takeshi M. James served as an educator for Chicago Public Schools, she was just a little girl from the south side of Chicago who transitioned through 7 elementary schools across the city. As a middle child, Takeshi wasn't always sure of where she belonged in life, so she began to write letters to God after reading and being inspired by the book, Are you there God? It's Me Margret, by Judy Blume. She found peace in writing those letters to God and always believed that he was listening and that he would always answer her prayers. Through her letter writing, she began to encourage herself by speaking positive words of affirmation to herself, especially when others spoke negatively over her life. Takeshi, learned how to surround herself around people who believed in her, supported her, and spoke positive words to her. These village people are the ones who saw greatness in her eyes and encouraged her to attend college. Henceforth, Takeshi is the first generation graduate on both sides of her family. She is also a member of the most esteemed, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority! You can follow Takeshi M. James on Facebook at Facebook.com/Takeshi White-James, Twitter @teachme_plz, or LinkedIN@ Takeshi James Read More Read Less