Born in Pennsylvania, as the son of a military man Jim Campbell moved a lot growing up. He’s lived in Texas, Maryland, California, and Pennsylvania. However, his entire 17-year teaching career has been in Chandler, Oklahoma. In addition to teaching 7th grade Science, he also coaches high school and junior high girls cross-country, high school and junior high girls golf, is the assistant high school boys basketball coach and 8th grade boys basketball coach.
Q When did you decide to become a teacher and why?
A I was in Memorial Gym 23 years ago when I decided to become a teacher. I always had a passion for working with young people and I wasn’t fulfilling the desire working in construction.
Q Give an example of when a teacher impacted your life:
A I had an English professor who was very kind and encouraging. If it weren’t for her, I never would have finished college.
Q What is the biggest challenge you face as a teacher?
A Honoring each student for who and what God created them to be. Sometimes we teachers want to try and change students into what we perceive a student should be.
Q What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A Getting to know the kids’ personalities.
Q What is the best thing that has happened to you since you’ve been teaching?
A I love the hugs and handshakes that I get from past and present students when I see them out in public.
Q How would you describe yourself as a teacher?
A I think the kids could answer that question better than I can. (Editors note: I asked a few and their responses are below.)
“Coach Campbell is a great all around person, teacher, and coach. He cares for our well being over all things and pushes us to do our best on the court and in the classroom. If we do not understand something or need help he always does his best to benefit us for the best. He can make any of us laugh on a daily basis and I think that is vital while dealing with students. I think he’s great, and I hope others do too.” – Sophomore
”He’s a teacher and a friend. He’s always there to cheer you up!” – Junior
”As a teacher, he made the experience in the classroom so much easier, and learning wasn't a chore. It was enjoyable and his was a class I looked forward to every day.” – Junior
”He’s a fun, goofy teacher, down to earth, and makes class fun. But he also likes to get things done and you never want to disrepect him.” – 8th Grader
Coach Campbell graduated Magna Cum Laude from college he says after squandering his high school education. His favorite pastime is open gym on Sundays where he gets to run and compete with and against past and present basketball players. Coach Campbell and his wife Candace Jo have seven children: Kirsten 29, Courtney 27, Caleb 26, Hayden 23, Cody 21, Jackson 8, Sally 7.
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