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Dr. James W. Beal

1142 LaSalle Drive, Somonauk, Illinois 60552

Appointments and Positions

  • 2016 – Present: Owner, BealBits LLC – Providing innovative information and technology solutions to support education and business needs.
  • 2012 – 2016: Adjunct Instructor, American Intercontinental University Online – Teaching graduate-level courses in educational technology and instructional design.
  • 1995 – 2015 (Retired): Director of Technology, Somonauk Community Unit School District #432 – Led the district’s technological transformation, implementing advanced instructional tools and ensuring student digital equity.
  • 2003 – 2004: Adjunct Instructor, University of Phoenix Online – Developed and taught courses on integrating technology into education.
  • 1998 – 2000: Cooperating Academic Partner, Aurora University – Designed and led workshops on multimedia technology and internet-based curriculum integration.
  • 1996 (Spring): Adjunct Instructor, Waubonsee Community College – Taught Microsoft Works applications and instructional technology.
  • 1995 (Summer): Adjunct Instructor, Northern Illinois University – Conducted instructional technology workshops for educators.
  • 1987 – 1995: Middle School Teacher, Dimmick Community Consolidated School District #175 – Taught U.S. History, World Geography, Civics, and Computer Education.
  • 1994 (Spring): Adjunct Instructor, Illinois Valley Community College – Taught courses in computer technology applications.
  • 1993 (Spring): Associate Instructor, Northern Illinois University – Contributed to teacher education programs.
  • 1983 – 1987: Deputy Sheriff, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office – Served in law enforcement, ensuring public safety and community service.
  • 1983: Reserve Police Officer, Wheaton Police Department – Gained experience in law enforcement and community policing.
  • 1982 – 1983: Special Education Teacher’s Aide, Queen Bee School District #16 – Supported students with special needs.

 

Education and Training

  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Technology, Research, and Assessment – Northern Illinois University (2001)
  • Master of Science in Instructional Technology – Northern Illinois University (1991)
  • Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice – Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (1982)
  • Associate of Arts (1980), Associate of Science (1984), Associate of General Studies (1986) – College of DuPage
  • Honors Graduate, Cook County Sheriff’s Academy (1983)

Professional Certification

  • Illinois Professional Educator License Endorsements:
    • General Administrative (Grades K-12)
    • Information Technology (Grades 5-12)
    • Law Enforcement (Grades 5-12)
    • Civics/Political Science (Grades 9-12)
    • U.S. History (Grades 9-12)
    • Computer Science (Grades 5-8)
    • General Science (Grades 6-8)
    • Elementary Education (Grades K-9)
    • Social Science (Grades 6-8)

Professional Memberships

  • American Historical Association
  • Association for Educational Communication and Technology
  • Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education 

Honors and Awards

  • Somonauk Education Foundation Chairman’s Award (2004-2005)
  • Somonauk Nominee for the DeKalb County Excellence in Education Award (2002-2003)
  • Achievement Award in Illinois History (1990-1991) – Awarded by the Illinois State Historical Agency
  • LaSalle County Educators Award (1990)

Grants Secured

  • DeKalb County Foundation Grants ($6,500 in 2013; $7,000 in 2012)
  • Illinois State Board of Education’s Programs for Scientific Literacy Grant ($96,000 Pilot Project, 2000-2001)
  • Illinois State Board of Education Technology Integration Program (TIP) ($45,012 in 2000)
  • Kishwaukee Intermediate Delivery Service Network/Technical Funding Grant ($2,000 in 2000 and 2001)
  • Illinois Secretary of State’s Educate and Automate Grants ($500 and $597 in 1999)
  • Illinois State Board of Education Online Curriculum Project Grants ($16,802 in 1998; $2,000 in 1999)
  • Illinois State Board of Education Technology Hub TechLink Network Training Grant ($1,000 in 1999)
  • Microsoft Curriculum Grant ($18,945 in software, 1997)
  • Illinois State Board of Education Online Curriculum Project Grants ($18,205 in 1995; $3,000 in 1996)

Professional Presentations

  • Illinois Computing Educators Conference (2009) – Presented on Manhattan Virtual Classroom.
  • Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference (2001) – Co-presented research on human-computer interface designs and learner interactions.
  • Illinois Association of School Business Officials Conference (1998) – Led session on website development for educators.
  • Illinois Technology and Education Conference (1996) – Spoke on integrating computer-based multimedia development into curricula.
  • Illinois State Historical Preservation Agency History Symposium (1995, 1992) – Presented on multimedia integration in history fair projects.

Publications

  • Beal, J. (2023). "Artificial Intelligence: The Final Stage of Education Industrialization," AECT Interactions.
  • Beal, J. W. (2022). "A Pragmatic Approach to Technology Integration: A Tech Director’s View," in Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Integrate Technology in K-12 Classrooms.
  • Multiple book reviews and academic articles on technology, education, and historical research.

Professional Service

  • Peer Reviewer – International Journal of Teacher Education and Professional Development (2024)
  • Judge – Illinois State History Fair (2019–Present)
  • Board Member – Somonauk Educational Foundation (2003–2004)
  • Regional Peer Review Team Member – District technology plans (1999–2008)
  • Advisory Board Member – Northern Illinois Regional History Fair (1988–1995)