In an age, where youth are being impacted daily by social trends, media and peer pressure, community leaders and educators have taken a stand to properly educate youth on how to become “Agents of Change” in today’s society.
In the early 1980’s, Chicago birthed it’s own, “Agent of Change”, Veriner James, from the city’s south side, who understood at a young age, the importance of structure and education. Veriner James, later blossomed into a highly successfuladministrator and educator, who has served in some of Chicago’s hardest hit communities since 2001.
Growing up in a household, where both parents made it a priority, that she would received the best education, Veriner was confident that, education was the key to changing the community around her.
“My parents worked hard to ensure, we had a quality education. My father worked two full time jobs to put my brother and I through Private elementary and high school.”-Veriner James
In 2017, Veriner James “took charge” and decided to make a change, when she founded, Exousia Leadership Academy for Girls, which will be the first all girl’s STEAM Middle School in Chicago, IL. Like the meaning of Exousia, the students will learn how to walk in authority, power and carry influence as “Agents of Change”.
Exousia Leadership Academy for Girls is a non-profit private school, whose mission is to provide an integrated educational system of high standards to engage all students in an academically rigorous project based curricula, promoting a strong foundation in the sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and math relevant to real world context and building on student character, health, and community assets to prepare students for future academic endeavors. Exousia Leadership Academy for Girls is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2018.
It’s no surprise, that Veriner James has taken major steps to build and develop an institution of learning for young girls in Chicago. As an educator for over 15 years, she has been successful in devising plans that decrease inappropriate behaviors school-wide, increase student achievement and support teachers by implementing strategies that evaluate and improve their instructional practices.
Veriner James has been recognized for having an authentic “Grace” and ability to connect with, direct and instruct youth of all ages. James’ gifts were being cultivated, early in her life as she interacted with family and friends. “As a little girl, I always wanted to be the person “In Charge”. When my cousins and I played house, I was the mother. When we played school, I was the teacher. When we played church, I was the preacher. Looking back, I didn’t realize those moments in my childhood were preparing me, for moments in my life, where I’d need to “take charge.” -Veriner James
Exousia Leadership Academy for Girls, Veriner James is dedicated to providing a quality education, that challenges young girls, to identify who they are, by shaping their minds and character, growing them into women who will one day transform the world.As the Head of School for
Mrs. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science (National Louis University), a Master of Arts in Secondary Education (University of Phoenix) and second Master of Arts in School Leadership (Concordia University). She is currently working towards attaining her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. When Mrs. James is not in the classroom, she enjoys traveling with her husband and son.
For more info visit: www.elag.online
