I am Dana Schmersahl, principal of J. Wallace James, the first School of Choice of Lafayette Parish.  This is my 37th year as an educator, 25 years as an administrator.  I feel very fortunate to have been able to open the first school of "Arts and Technology" in Lafayette, Louisiana.

I graduated from Northwestern State University with a double undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Kindergarten Education.  I received my Masters Degree from McNeese State University in Early Childhood and my Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette.

I am currently a member of the Lafayette Parish Principal's Association, Acadiana Principal's Association, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.  I am also a member of Phi Delta Kappa , Delta Kappa Gamma, National Reading Association, Louisiana Association of Educators, Louisiana Association of School Executives and the Association of School and Curriculum Development.

I have had the distinguished honor to be selected as the "Teacher of the Year," "Educator of the Year," and "Principal of the Year" during my career.

My personal philosophy of education is centered on children.  I believe that education is and does make a difference in the life of a child.  The mission statement for J. Wallace James is centered around this philosophy..."Academic excellence through, with, and in the arts and technology."  This statement was developed by the faculty, staff and parents of J. Wallace James.  By integrating the arts and technology throughout our curriculum, we touch the lives of all children with a nurturing foundation, then the world opens up for our children.