Title: Director of Education
Company: Allen County Juvenile Center
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
James Steensma, Director of Education at the Allen County Juvenile Center, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Alternative Public School Education.
Mr. Steensma has established a distinguished career in education, marked by a commitment to restorative practices and student empowerment. As the director of education for the Allen County Juvenile Center since 2024, he leads a multifaceted facility that serves as both a juvenile detention center and an alternative public school for at-risk youth from four local school districts. Under Mr. Steensma’s guidance, the center prioritizes rehabilitation and restorative justice, aiming to help students leave as improved individuals academically, socially and personally. The educational programs address the needs of students who are unable to return to their home schools due to disciplinary issues, providing them with opportunities to complete one or two semesters of coursework in a supportive environment.
Before being promoted to director, Mr. Steensma served as the assistant director of education at the Allen County Juvenile Center from 2023 to 2024. In this capacity, he contributed to the development and implementation of educational strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by detained and expelled students. From 2016 to 2023, Mr. Steensma excelled as a lead teacher and teacher trainer at the Allen County Learning Academy within the same center, where he taught English and business courses. His expertise in team collaboration, teacher training, building relationships and leadership has been instrumental in fostering a positive learning environment for both students and staff.
Mr. Steensma began his teaching career in 2013 as a high school English teacher at Huntington North High School, part of the Huntington County Community School Corporation. There, he was involved in the Viking New Tech program, which emphasized engaging and rigorous instruction.
In addition to his work in education, Mr. Steensma is a published songwriter whose faith-based music continues to reach new audiences decades after his album’s initial release over 20 years ago. Today, he remains engaged with songwriting and music publishing, finding fulfillment in creative expression and spiritual themes. He also frequently travels to perform at area churches.
Mr. Steensma’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in business management with minors in English and social sciences from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2012, followed by a Master of Education in teacher leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2019. He also holds a transition-to-teaching certification from Indiana Wesleyan University and the Indiana Department of Education, as well as certification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Steensma has demonstrated longstanding civic engagement through numerous organizations. He is involved with STARTedUP Foundation Inc., an Indiana-based organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among high school students. Initially serving as a teacher mentor, he now supports the foundation as a recruiter, helping connect innovative educators with opportunities to guide students toward launching businesses and competing for scholarships. Among other endeavors, Mr. Steensma has served as a liver transplant advocate for Indiana University Health Inc., participated on the personnel committee at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, acted as worship leader and program developer for Gathering Java and Faith, and contributed to crisis intervention efforts as a founding member of We Care!
Mr. Steensma’s dedication to teaching is reflected in his ability to build lasting relationships with students, many of whom have become lifelong friends or followed him through various roles. He believes that effective teaching is rooted in authenticity and relationship-building, values that have defined his approach across all positions. Looking ahead, Mr. Steensma envisions further transformation within the educational programs at Allen County Juvenile Center by emphasizing holistic approaches that address emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being alongside academic achievement.
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