I was drawn into Jim’s circle of professional friends as our paths crossed at the AERA Instructional Supervision and Leadership SIG and then again at the AERA Superintendency SIG. When Jim expressed interest in joining COPIS, I was pleased to sponsor him. Jim’s depth of educational knowledge was quickly evident when we worked together on COPIS presentations and as editors of the book Differentiated Teacher Evaluation and Professional Learning: Policies and Practices for Promoting Career Growth. Through our collaborations, I learned how vast his network of professional colleagues was when for our book he volunteered to contact his friends, who were among the top scholars and thinkers in our field. His many publications became a resource for my writing and an inspiration for deepening my thinking.
Jim greeted everyone he met with a positive attitude and a ready smile. His ability to laugh at himself put people at ease. Generous, thoughtful, and collegial, he was always ready to assist and serve others. Jim’s kindness, empathy, and compassion made him special. He was a friend to many and a mentor to numerous students. While he garnered many accolades, he took the most pride in his students’ successes.
A distinguished member of the Alberta education community for 50 years, Jim had a long and productive career as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Beginning in 2009, Jim was a valued faculty member of the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, where he served as a professor and associate dean. He was well-known for the strong relationships he built with external partners in the province. In a fitting tribute illustrating the University of Calgary’s love, appreciation, and respect for Jim, the campus flag was flown at half-mast in his memory. Jim Brandon will have a lasting impact in our profession and in COPIS.
Read Jim Brandon’s obituary | from the University of Calgary