Dr. James Bleecker

After graduating with a double major in history and social studies education, he began his teaching career in Central Florida at a Title One middle school. At this school, Dr. Bleecker worked closely with the International Baccalaureate Program, served as a gifted services provider, summer school facilitator, advisory council secretary, professional growth plan reviewer, data team leader, track coach, acting dean of discipline, and the club sponsor for the Future Educators of America, Student Government Association, and Odyssey of the Mind.

Those leadership experiences inspired him to pursue a master's degree in educational leadership and his passion for teaching at the high school level. During the next several years, he because involved in the AVID program. As an AVID coordinator and elective teacher for an AVID National Demonstration Site, Dr. Bleecker expanded enrollment. He also became part of an AVID lobbying committee, which helped pass a Florida appropriation bill to increase funding for public schools.

Being a child of two parents who served and met in the United States Air Force, he eventually decided to join DoDEA. Dr. Bleecker was initially selected to serve as an AVID and Social Studies teacher at Fort Knox High School, where he led the track team to a state championship and was awarded Kentucky Coach of the Year. While teaching and coaching for FKHS, he completed a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction.

Next, Dr. Bleecker transferred overseas to Nile C. Kinnick High School in Yokosuka, where he served as an assistant track coach, CSI chair, department chair, and club sponsor for the cultural appreciation committee. He was involved in expanding enrollment for the Advanced Placement program and completed a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. His dissertation focused on the experiences of multiracial dependents living in overseas affiliated communities. Dr. Bleecker joined the Okinawa Community after being promoted as the Assistant Principal of Lester Middle School; his passions include health, mindfulness, and spending quality time with his family.