James Bell Burlingame

Burlingame, CA

James Bell, a Burlingame, California, resident, is an Adapted Physical Education Specialist, Special Olympics volunteer, and ski race coach. An award-winning teacher, he works in the Sequoia Union High School District, which has school locations near his Burlingame home. James Bell holds a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado, as well as degrees in kinesiology and adapted physical education from San Francisco State University.

In his work for the Sequoia Union High School District, Jim Bell has developed an array of programs and activities, including various sports and games, for students with developmental disabilities. He strives to help students who are unable to participate in the school district's general programs. He has been recognized and lauded for his work, both by the state and his district. He received the award for Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year for California in 2007 and Southwest District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year award in 2009.

Beyond his school district work, James Bell is a race coach for The Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation. He is a USSA certified race official and coach, teaching children the fundamentals of ski racing as well as coordinates and implements race events in USSA. In his capacity as coach, he teaches children between the ages of eight and 12 how to compete in alpine ski racing. Bell teaches fundamentals and shows children how to apply those fundamental strategies to tactical racing abilities.

Apart from his work teaching and coaching, Jim Bell volunteers his time to the Special Olympics. He instructs athletes with disabilities in basketball, bowling, and track and field. His service has been widely acknowledged, and in 2005 he received the President's Volunteer Service Award. When not working or giving his time to worthy causes, James Bell enjoys spending time outdoors in Burlingame and beyond. He can often be found kayaking, fishing, and barefoot water skiing.

  • Work
    • Sequoia Union High School District
  • Education
    • San Francisco State University
    • University of Colorado at Boulder