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James Garritson has taught 7th or 8th grade history since 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Fullerton University, a Master of Science in Educational Technology from National University, a California Single Subject English Credential from National University, and a California Single Subject Social Science Supplemental Credential. Mr. Garritson taught 9th and 12th grade English at Buena Park High School in 1997 as a student teacher. He was then hired in 1998 to teach 7th grade English and History at Buena Park Junior High.
After two years of teaching in the Buena Park Union School District, Mr. Garritson moved in the summer of 2000 from Fullerton to Valley Center. He taught 7th grade history at L.R. Green for four years when it was a K-8 school. Mr. Garritson had the great opportunity to work at Bear Valley Middle School when it first opened on August 23, 2004. Here, he taught three groups of students both 7th and 8th grade history before the practice of looping ended in 2010. Mr. Garritson has now taught over a decade of 8th grade American history. He is passionate about teaching American civics.
His passion for civics led him to run for office and get elected to the Valley Center Community Planning Group in November 2014. James and his wife Archellyn are blessed with five children: Rebecca (born in 2012), James (born in 2016), Linda (born in 2018), Archelle (born in 2020), and Caleb (born in 2022).
History and the social sciences are a passion for Mr. Garritson because he realizes students have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons from their knowledge of the past and ensure that "We the People of the United States" will continue to "secure the Blessings of Liberty." It is his desire that once former students grow up and leave behind their textbooks, assignments, assessments, classrooms and schools, they will remain lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and virtuous Americans.
According to Mr. Garritson, "It is a privilege to teach students the origins of their inalienable Rights and how the present prosperity of this nation was born out of both struggle and triumph. It is my hope that every student will value strong work ethics, promote the ideals of Liberty, and pursue Civic Virtue throughout all stages of Life."
James Garritson
Mr. Garritson A.S.B. Staff Survey
Mr. Garritson A.S.B. Staff Survey
Name: James Michael Garritson
Job on Campus: Eighth Grade United States History Teacher
What is your favorite color? variety
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? A private island
What is your favorite singer/ artist/ group? Meatloaf
What is your favorite TV show? Get Smart
What is your favorite sports team? none
What is your favorite candy/snack? chocolate
What is your favorite movie? Braveheart
What is your favorite magazine? Quora
If you could be a superhero for one day, who would you be? Iron Man
What is your favorite animal? dog
If you could have any other job, what would it be? digital designer
If you could be any Disney character, who would you be and why?
Scrooge McDuck. In the cartoon show Duck Tales, Scrooge is shown to work very hard prior to earning and managing a vast fortune. McDuck soon learns the valuable lesson that his true wealth is found in his family and friends instead of material possessions. He promotes individualism, entrepreneurship, hard work, frugality, adventure, education, physical fitness, and virtue. While Scrooge in the historical Disney canon is sometimes shown miserly, the Carl Barks and Duck Tales versions show his numerous good traits and virtues. Scrooge learns that using his wealth for good gives him great joy in numerous episodes of Duck Tales. Unlike numerous Disney characters who are born into royalty, Scrooge was born into poverty and must struggle to keep and use his vast fortune for the betterment of his family, society, and himself.
What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
What is your favorite store? Costco
If you had one wish, what would it be?
I would wish that all evil, sickness and death would instantly end. In such a state, people would finally gain the purest form of liberty and could fully pursue their human creativity.
What is your favorite quote? “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” – William Wallace in Braveheart
What is your favorite Website? Youtube
What would your perfect day be? Eternity
Tell us about yourself.
My love of liberty and disdain for tyranny are philosophical foundations that direct my life. Liberty shapes my faith and the foundations of my family. History, politics, economics, and geography are topics that interest me both as a teacher and lifelong student. Cross-country running is a sport that connects me to my childhood and continues to help shape my mind, body and spirit. My favorite activity is spending quality time with my wife and five children. Watching movies, listening to Audible or Youtube content, reading historical books and cartoon strips, spending time with my dogs, using technology, working on home and land projects, and striving to learn new things are pastimes I greatly value. Many activities I enjoyed during my youth still interest me such as drawing, creating comic characters, watching cartoons, running, and spending time with my family. I am the oldest child in a family of fourteen children. I have nine brothers and four sisters.
Spouse? Archellyn
Kids or Grandkids? Rebecca (2012), James (2016), Linda (2018), Archelle (2020), and Caleb (2022)
Pets? Yorkshire Terriors named Romulus Maximus and Octavia Maxima
Which college(s) did you attend?
Shelton State Community College, Associate in Arts
California State Fullerton University, Bachelor of Arts English
National University, Master of Science in Educational Technology
What is your hometown? Fullerton
I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of California, and the laws of the United States and the State of California. I hereby certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that all the foregoing statements in this application are true and correct.
James Garritson
August 9, 2023
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