Saint Louis Public Schools

Dr. Dorothea King-James, a retired educator who taught in several St. Louis Public Schools, recipient of the Excellence in Drug Prevention Education Award from the U.S. Department of Education, national Who’s Who in American Education Award, Who’s Who in the Midwest Award and local author, is being inducted into the Vashon High School Hall of Fame.

Vashon High School’s 14th Annual Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 9 and will be held in the school’s auditorium, located at 3035 Cass Ave. in St. Louis.

Dr. King-James graduated from the school June 18, 1971. She intentionally ended her education career at her alma mater in June 2009.

“I spent 36 years working in St. Louis Public Schools. I thoroughly enjoyed the students I taught at Northwest High School, Cleveland High School, Clinton Middle School and Stevens Middle School. However, I must say, there was something extra special about returning “home” and teaching at the same school where I was nurtured as a student,” Dr. King-James said. “I am humbled by this recognition. It is an incredible honor that I am truly grateful to receive.”

Even as a young child, Dr. King-James realized her calling to teach. In fact, some of her favorite childhood memories include “playing school” on her front porch. Those childhood passions lead her to graduate from Vashon High School at the top of her class and from Harris-Stowe State College with a magna cum laude designation and Bachelor of Science. A life-long learner, she went on to earn a Master of Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Doctorate of Education in guidance and counseling from Lael College and Graduate School.

Besides teaching in the public school system, she’s served as director of Christian education and first lady among numerous other titles at the New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of the Ville, 4341 Maffitt Ave. She’s lectured on various Christian and drug-prevention topics at local churches and schools, and is the author of “Memoirs of an Educator: A Reflective View,” “Three Phases of Cain: A Book of Reminiscence” and “From Tribulations to Triumphs.”

Dr. King-James has led countless social, faith-based and community service projects, and is a “Silver Star Soror” who has provided 26 years of service to all mankind as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Omicron Eta Omega chapter.

She is the beloved wife of the Rev. Willie James and mother of Montel, Ebun, Daron, Shantana, Leah, Trinita and Caleb.