James Moss Jr
Utah State Board of Education
District 12
About Me
I grew up in Orem as the son of two teachers. We now live in Midway, where we have five children in public schools. I have practiced employment law and business litigation for twenty years, from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. After returning to school for a Doctorate in Education, I have served on the Utah State Charter School Board, Wasatch High School Community Council, and the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.
Why I'm Running
Teaching my own children, and tutoring students in underprivileged schools, has given me a passion for helping all students succeed regardless of their background. Utah’s education system served me well, but today’s evolving, globalized environment requires us to reach higher. I want to help the State Board support innovative local leaders, and help Utahns pull together to prepare our students for post-secondary education, employment and citizenship.
My Philosophy
Utahns, not the federal government, know best how to serve our children. There is no silver bullet in education policy, but I believe three elements are essential: engaging each student’s unique aptitudes and interests, respecting parents’ right to direct their children’s education, and supporting and trusting teachers as professionals, providing pay, collaboration and flexibility to empower them to do what they do best.