From Latin Languages to Life Lessons: James Wolfe's Teaching Journey

1/23/2026

Teaching wasn’t always part of James Wolfe’s plan.

Growing up with two parents who were educators, he witnessed the rewards of the profession firsthand but resisted following in their footsteps. Yet, as he grew older, he began to see the profound value of the relationships his parents built with their students. That realization, combined with his own experiences in higher education and volunteer teaching, ultimately led him to the Severn classroom—a place where he’s found purpose and passion.

Wolfe’s teaching journey began in an unexpected and challenging environment: the prison system. Through Princeton’s Prison Teaching Initiative, he partnered with a local community college to teach college-accredited courses to incarcerated students across New Jersey. For a year, he volunteered to work with students of all ages and created programs tailored to their unique circumstances. The experience was transformative. With no internet, limited resources, and sporadic attendance, Wolfe had to rethink everything he knew about teaching. “How do you teach 45,000 years of world history in just a few class periods?” he recalls. “It made me value class time so much more.” Despite the challenges, he saw the power of education in even the most imperfect circumstances. It taught him resilience, adaptability, and, most importantly, the value of never giving up on a student.

The Joy of Middle School Latin

Now in his second year at Severn, Wolfe has found his stride teaching Middle School Latin. After years in higher education, where students often felt like numbers and relationships were fleeting, he’s found joy in the curiosity and energy of middle schoolers. “Students at this age are excited to learn new things,” he says. “They’re willing to try, to be wrong, and to grow. It’s rewarding to build a foundation with them—not just in Latin, but in how they approach learning and problem-solving.”

Latin, Wolfe admits, isn’t the easiest subject, “No one’s good at Latin when they start. It’s okay to struggle with it—no one speaks it fluently anymore!” But he’s found ways to make it engaging and meaningful. He emphasizes the practical benefits, like improved SAT scores and a stronger grasp of English, while also tapping into his students’ natural curiosity. One of his favorite lessons involves the myth of the Ring of Gyges, a story written about a ring that grants invisibility. “We talk about what the students would do if they had the ring. It’s fascinating to see their answers—some focus on doing the right thing, while others think about how they’d use it for themselves. It leads to these organic conversations about ethics and what it means to be good or bad.” For Wolfe, these moments of deeper reflection are what makes teaching so rewarding.

Beyond the Classroom: Coaching on the Soccer Field

Part of the Severn mission is to know and value students; as such, teachers are asked to become an active part of the community outside of the classroom. For Wolfe, that means trading in his laptop for a whistle and leading the Middle School boys soccer team in the fall.

As a soccer coach, Wolfe gets to see another side of his students. “It’s not just about soccer—it’s about being part of a team, taking responsibility, and handling challenges together. Coaching helps me build relationships with students in a different way and gives me a broader perspective on who they are.” Whether on the field or in the classroom, Wolfe is committed to helping his students grow—not just academically, but as individuals.

For Wolfe, teaching is so much more than imparting knowledge. It’s about helping students recognize their potential, embrace their imperfections, and grow into thoughtful, curious individuals. Whether he’s guiding students through the nuances of Latin, sparking ethical debates through ancient myths, or coaching on the soccer field, he is committed to making a difference, one student at a time.

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