James Didier (Chemistry Teacher)

About Me:
Welcome to my site! This is my tenth year teaching and fourth year at Mahtomedi. Two of the things I love most are learning and teaching! I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a double major in Chemistry and Philosophy. Afterward, I took some time away from school before going back to get my Masters in Science Education at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I enjoy a number of activities including trail running, backpacking, biking, slacklining, climbing, unicycling, hunting/fishing, gardening, fermenting foods, DIYing, mountaineering, and spending time outdoors with my family. I also enjoy live music, exploring, and I'm a bit of a Foodie. If you'd like to know more about why I have chosen to teach, I invite you to read my Teaching Philosophy!

Contact:
If you ever need to contact me, don't hesitate to send me an email at

My room is 1074 and I'm generally available everyday during Flex Time and before/after school. Please check with my schedule to make arrangements.

 



Our Mission

The mission of Mahtomedi High School, a driven and supportive family of Zephyrs whose individual growth enriches the community as a whole, is to ensure a transformational experience in which students are life-long learners and empathetic community members equipped with the desire and ability to explore their passions through a vital system distinguished by:

  • inclusive and safe environments where all Zephyrs belong and advocate for one another through authentic relationships
  • a culture that seeks out and honors diverse and global perspectives
  • dynamic educational experiences for varied interests
  • embracing the discomfort of setbacks as an important part of the learning process
  • a community that recognizes that success comes in many forms
Mahtomedi High School ISD #832
Our School
Mahtomedi High School has a heart for innovation, provides rigorous academic coursework, and supports students to explore extracurricular opportunities. Our teachers and staff are passionate and dedicated people who explore innovative ideas and teach our students new ways of thinking to support them in whatever career path they choose. Students engage in project-based learning to solve real-world problems using industry-standard technology in the nation’s first M.I.T. certified FabLab housed in a public school. Fine arts is a vital and robust part of the High School and our visual and performing arts classes include ceramics, digital art, choir, band, and event broadcasting. We also offer Flex Time during the school day when students may receive academic support, engage in college and career exploration, and connect over common interests. Over 90% of our student community engages in extracurricular activities that range from athletics to robotics. Students’ social and emotional learning is addressed through various avenues including a restorative practices approach for student behavior and through our Zephyr Link Crew mentoring program.