My name is James Zich, but most students just call me Mr. Z. The 2022-2023 school year will be my third year in the E.C. department here at Mendenhall. I enjoy assisting students to overcome their biggest challenges so they may achieve academic and personal goals. I consider myself to be an approachable and empathetic educator. Students can approach me for help in any subject and I am able to offer my guidance (except in music which I only know how to listen to).

I have a Bachelor of Art in Philosophy from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Art in Teaching Special Education from North Carolina A&T. As a professional educator my goal is to build bonds with students based on common interests and understanding of student differences, to create an enjoyable learning environment in which students succeed. Ensuring students have access to education through individualized support is the anchor of my work here at Mendenhall. Most of the time I spend in the classroom I am directly assisting students to complete a variety of tasks by providing hands-on support and clarification.

I love spending time outdoors and frequently walk the nature trails we have here on our campus. You may see me riding my skateboard down Elm Street on my way to Mendenhall in the morning or doing wheelies on my bike on the way home. On the weekends I can be found spending time in my garden, hiking with my dogs, or practicing skateboard tricks at Latham Park.