James Emley

Year Appointed: 2024

House Malala

Mr. Emley joined IST in 2024 as a Science Teacher and now serves as a STEM & Design Teacher, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a STEAM educator and technology coach. Before coming to IST, he spent 17 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District and has also worked in data analytics, machine learning, and instructional design, collaborating with industry experts from organizations including Google, Mars, and Cruise.

Mr. Emley earned a master’s degree in Secondary Science and holds teaching credentials in Physics and Career & Technical Education. He also completed a Python certification through The University of Texas at Austin with a focus on artificial intelligence. Passionate about inquiry-based learning, he believes in using Universal Design for Learning to help students of all abilities explore the connections between science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

Throughout his career, Mr. Emley has partnered with organizations such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Austin Film Society, Teachers in Space, Honeywell Space Academy, Code.org, and the Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot program to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students. Outside of school, he enjoys music and film production, kung fu, tennis, mountain biking, and exploring the Texas Hill Country with his wife and their two Balinese cats.