James Nieves

James Nieves Bermúdez grew up in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, and discovered his passion for teaching while still in high school. After graduating in 1996, he attended the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Education, majoring in Spanish. During his junior year, he participated in the prestigious Cordova Internship in Washington, D.C., working in the Office of the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico and covering congressional hearings on education. He returned to Puerto Rico to complete his degree, earning the Medal of Excellence in Student Teaching before graduating in May 2002.

Shortly after, James interviewed with the Syracuse City School District and began his teaching career at George W. Fowler High School (now PLSA at Fowler). He taught all levels of Spanish, including Spanish for Spanish Speakers and Distance Learning courses. In 2009, he earned a master’s degree in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from Syracuse University. Throughout his teaching career, he served in numerous leadership roles, including department chair, building union representative, secretary of the Syracuse Teachers Association, and Coordinator of the Twilight Academy. He also served on the New York State Commissioner of Education’s Teacher Advisory Council. In 2013, James received the Educator of the Year Award from Nosotros Radio in Syracuse, NY.

James went on to complete a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership at SUNY Oswego. In 2014, he became Vice Principal of Westside Academy at Blodgett (now STEM at Blodgett), and in July 2018, he was appointed Principal of Seymour Dual Language Academy, where he continues to serve.

Mr. Nieves was President of the New York State Association for Bilingual Education (NYSABE) in 2023 and remains an active member of the NYSABE Executive Board.