Getting back to Our Education Roots: Why Outdoor Play and Character Curriculum are Vital for Our Schools

Children learn how to learn on the playground – it’s really that simple! Dr. Rhea brings back long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Chadwell, to share how he fought to get the LiiNK Project in his district. Dr. Chadwell witnessed firsthand the positive changes the LiiNK intervention of multiple outdoor play breaks and character lessons daily brought to EMS-ISD. Dr. Jim Chadwell was born in Fort Worth, Texas and earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees all from Texas Christian University. During his 31-year career in public education, he served in various teaching and administrative roles including teacher, coach, high school principal, executive director for elementary and secondary instruction, and superintendent. He served the last 14 years as superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, where he had several accomplishments, including overseeing two bond programs bringing in new schools, a career and technology center, a new district administration building with a Discovery Lab Learning Center and renovations to every facility in the district. He also led the implementation of the EMS ISD Police Department district-wide, and the LiiNK Project in all EMS ISD elementary schools. Retiring from the district in January of this year, Dr. Chadwell will begin his next chapter as an Educational Planner and Senior Associate for VLK Edge architecture team, bringing to the firm substantial experience as a leader in Texas public school districts.