As principal of Ogden Elementary School in Ogden, Jim Armendariz is the instructional leader of a school in which the majority of students live in poverty. Through numerous grants the school has received, Mr. Armendariz has established innovative programs such as STATT (STudents As Technology Teachers), a Saturday program in which students become computer experts and tutors for peers and adult teachers. He also collaborated with local businesses and organizations to create productive, educational and fun activities for students to engage in during teachers' planning time. Mr. Armendariz has led his faculty in implementing a peer coaching model to improve instructional strategies in math and reading, and has provided professional development on promoting success through social skills instruction. He has presented on numerous topics at the state level and is chair of the Kansas National Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Commission.
