Passing on the glory of connecting in the classroom

Boulder High School Principal James Hill prides himself on the power of mentoring and building relationships. It’s what helped him balance the rigor of academics with the pressure of playing college football as a CU-Boulder student-athlete in 1989. Bonding with his teammates and fellow students laid the foundation for his formative undergraduate experience. 

As a fullback on the Buffs 1990 championship team, Hill found “a family within the football team and a sense of normalcy among students in general. Living in the dorm among non-athletes enabled him to have rich interactions that were as meaningful as those he encountered on the field.

As a fullback for CU’s 1990 championship Buffs team, James Hill balanced rigorous academic expectations

Photo credit: James Hill

Setting out to go into Kinesiology and athletic training post-college, Hill’s ambitions took a different turn. Hill attributes this change of heart to the profound impact his middle and high school teachers had on his life. He didn’t want to disappoint them, and was moved by the lasting mark they left on his approach to life. That’s what inspired him to have the same positive influence as he was earning his degree in sociology at CU-Boulder. 

Following his passion for passing on knowledge, Hill earned his teaching certificate at CU-Boulder, and is nearing the completion of his PhD through Walden University. Now, after 16 rewarding years as an educator, he has a clear perspective on how to break communication barriers and get through in a way that resonates with students and fellow educators. 

“Students won’t trust or buy-in unless they truly believe you have their best interests at hand.” he said. Yet he also understands the importance of creating a balance between discipline and openness. “Students may not like all the decisions or consequences, but knowing that you truly care about them is a powerful thing.” 

James Hill was named Principal of Boulder High School in August 2015 and has extensive experience in academic administration

Photo credit: Lifetouch

A native of Colorado Springs, Hill’s first foray in the classroom came in Broomfield, Colorado, when he subbed for a third grade public school teacher. One of his more rambunctious students, Sarah Sposato, remembers the way in which Hill connected with the kids in class. 

“He wasn’t there to discipline. He was patient and willing to work with the students who all had different paths,” she said. “He embraced mistakes, and felt that you won’t learn without making them.” 

This refreshing perspective is what helped Hill relate to all the diverse kids who have come though his classroom throughout the years.

Being part of a national championship team as an elite student athlete was a life changing experience for Hill. He recognizes his academic and social experiences as a student in Boulder as integral to where he is in his career today. 

Now, as an administrator, Hill credits the CU-Boulder experience as being a major factor in motivating him to strive for his leadership position. He is grateful for the high expectations that were instilled by his professors despite the pressures that come with being a student athlete. 

Having his “dream job,” Hill is excited to continue to connect with his students; he enjoys seeing a lot of his advanced, high-achieving students further their education at CU-Boulder. “It’s awesome to have a university like this here,” Hill boasts.