Mathematics Teacher Jim Douglas is Blue Ridge School’s 2021 recipient of the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching. Criteria for nomination include characteristics such as challenging students to reach high standards and expectations, stimulating thought and provoking student dialogue, and understanding the needs of students and meeting those needs with determination, enthusiasm, and imagination.

Blue Ridge School Dean of Faculty and Academics Pete Bonds says, “Jim has developed a well earned reputation as a teacher who pushes students to master challenging math content but who is supportive and encouraging at every step of the way. Jim has continued to do great work as chair of the Math Department, hiring and developing new teachers and making improvements to the math curriculum and the way it is delivered.”

“This particular year,” says Jim, “with all of the hard work I’ve seen my students put in, everything they’ve fought through–adversity wise–it felt really nice to hear that I was winning this award this year.”

In addition to teaching math, Jim is a coach for mixed martial arts and for Squire basketball, which teaches students the fundamentals of the game. He caps off the Squire season with the popular 3-on-3 Slamfest basketball tournament.

The Golden Apple Award is presented to faculty members from the greater Charlottesville area, as well as schools, such as Blue Ridge, that are members of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

Jim is an enthusiastic alumnus of Virginia Tech and has proudly worn his Hokies mask during the pandemic. He began teaching at Blue Ridge School in 2012. Prior to that he taught for five year at Miller School of Albemarle. Jim’s achievement continues a family tradition; both his mother received the Gold Apple Award during her career in education.