“I love teaching and helping students realize what they are fully capable of. I believe in empowering students.” James Watts, the new teacher in the SCHS science department, commented on why he became a teacher. Dr. Watts also stated the reason why he took the job at Schuyler Central High School was “when I was interviewed at Schuyler I loved what the school was doing to prepare students and I believed I could make a difference.” Dr. Watts is currently teaching the freshmen Physical Science Class.

Dr. Watts was born and raised in Georgia, but moved to Nebraska to pursue his goal of helping students reach their goals. Before coming to Schuyler, Watts had a couple other jobs in the area. “I’ve taught at the college level part time as an Adjunct. I’ve also worked as a corporate trainer-managing the regulatory paperwork and training of associates. Also, I’ve taught at a private school in DC” Dr. Watts reported. He also taught for one year at the youth corrections facility in Geneva. 

Dr. Watts has also worked very hard to receive his doctorate. When he was in undergraduate school, his teacher suggested that he “would be better suited and have more fun teaching at the college level.” In order to do so, Dr. Watts needed his doctorate. “I enjoyed the freedoms that college teaching affords, but most of the students already have a career path laid out for them and are less open to looking at what they are fully capable of. At the high school level, students are willing to look at other options to find and live up to their full potential,” Dr. Watts explained.