James Copeland is a 2025-2026 Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow and English language arts and journalism teacher at Marvell-Elaine High School in Marvell, Arkansas. He is the head boys’ basketball coach, as well as a member of the school leadership team and professional learning community leader. Previously, James served as recruitment coordinator for East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City and taught English in the Dollarway and Pine Bluff school districts. He was the Phillips County Teacher of the Year (2025), is a member of the Arkansas Impact Fellowship, and serves as a mentor teacher for novice educators. James holds a BA in middle-level education from Philander Smith University and an MEd in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas.
