The Middletown High School North Lion’s Roar staff had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. James Rasmussen. Mr. Rasmussen is in his first year as an Assistant Vice Principal at Middletown High School North for students with last names Fo- Mi. The Lion’s Roar will take a look into his fascinating journey into education, his experiences along the way and his commitment to building a vibrant and supportive school culture.
Mr. Rasmussen didn’t start his career with plans to lead a school community. As a University of Delaware student initially majoring in pre-med, his college years were a time of exploration and uncertainty. Struggling with organic chemistry and seeking direction, he began to consider paths beyond medicine. The tragic events of 9/11 shifted his interests toward international relations, where he found a new passion for high-level courses on global issues. After graduating five years later, he was still uncertain about his next chapter, whether it would be taking the LSAT or doing something history related. While working as a summer lifeguard, however, he received encouragement from co-workers to pursue a career in education.
His early teaching years were as challenging as they were rewarding. He began in Newark, where students struggled with reading, and later taught at an alternative school in Perth Amboy. Both communities were heavily impacted by poverty and gang affiliation with many students on probation. These experiences further encouraged him to work toward supporting at risk students.
By 2005, he was teaching history at Keyport High School, instructing students across all levels, from College Prep courses to Advanced Placement classes. The impact he had on his students and their success led him to be named Teacher of the Year in 2015. When reflecting on his teaching career, he said, “At one point in your life, you may be lucky enough to find a job that you feel like you were meant to do, and that was teaching and lifeguarding for me.” To Mr. Rasmussen, teaching wasn’t just a job, it was his passion and every day he came to work it felt like he was meant to be there.
During this time, he was also the attendance officer at Keyport assisting in providing support to students and improving attendance rates. He embraced the opportunity to do more for students and his principal at the time encouraged him to consider graduate studies. As he searched for jobs, he settled down at Middletown High School South in 2016 and then later worked in central office. His desire to get back into the building and be a part of the school community brought him to Middletown High School North.
Mr. Rasmussen sees working with students who struggle with behavioral expectations as one of the most rewarding parts of his job, guiding them through their challenges and seeing them grow over the course of their four years. His approach to discipline and guidance is inspired by a Confucian philosophy: “Never use a cannon to kill a mosquito,” believing in using gentle guidance to encourage change.
At North, he emphasizes that a strong school culture is driven by the people within it. He takes pride in creating a safe environment for learning, establishing student-driven events like bingo tournaments and cornhole matches to build community. Open to student input and emphasizing his open door policy, he believes in listening to students and promoting a sense of pride and belonging. For him, academic success is about meeting students’ needs, supporting those who struggle with grades and providing guidance for freshmen transitioning to high school.
He emphasizes the extracurricular programs at North where students are ranked in the top 20 in New Jersey for their activities. Mr. Rasmussen notes that the school’s athletic, theater and music programs create a culture of excellence, earning themselves many Count Basie awards and titles. At North, there is something for everyone, which allows students to find and pursue their passions. Mr. Rasmussen values North’s diversity, seeing it as broadening students’ horizons and preparing them for a world beyond high school. Despite reputations, he sees Middletown North as a community of resilient and hardworking students.
Mr. Rasmussen offers advice to students about the future, discussing how high school is a unique time to take risks, learn from mistakes and explore interests. He encourages them to find mentors, try new things and learn from leaders. Acknowledging that teenage anxiety often comes from a fear of failure, he urges students to view mistakes as valuable lessons. He believes that high school provides a safe space for growth where students can develop with the support of teachers and mentors. For him, North Nation and school pride are essential and he’s dedicated to helping all students find their place.
Mr. Rasmussen is eager to join the Middletown High School North community. Whether it be through guiding students during academic challenges or nurturing school spirit, he is dedicated to helping every student find their purpose, just as he has found his.
