Tami James
Tami James is the Director of Grace Preschool in Baltimore, Maryland, bringing over 20 years of experience in educational leadership and administration. Since stepping into her current role in 2020, Tami has been dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that recognizes and cultivates each child’s unique abilities. Her leadership ensures high standards in curriculum development, staff supervision, and safety, while also managing enrollment, budgeting, and parent communication. Prior to her role at Grace Preschool, Tami taught first and second grade at Gilman School for 14 years, where she honed her skills in creating innovative early education programs. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Bethel University. Tami’s mission centers on continuous improvement and impactful education, driving excellence in early childhood development within her community.
• Bethel University - MEd
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to dedication, adaptability, and a strong commitment to serving my community. One of my most notable achievements was becoming the Director of Grace Preschool, where I successfully doubled enrollment through focused leadership and creating an engaging, supportive environment for children and families. This experience reinforced the importance of vision, perseverance, and building meaningful relationships to drive positive outcomes.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to listen carefully and be patient. Taking the time to truly understand others’ perspectives and allowing things to unfold with patience has been invaluable in building strong relationships and making thoughtful decisions throughout my career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are community involvement and family. I am deeply committed to giving back, as reflected in my active participation with the Spencer Grace Foundation. Equally, I cherish spending quality time with my family and my four children, which grounds me and fuels my dedication both personally and professionally.