A former Ferrum Coach and correctional officer has joined the faculty at Chatham High School.

James Banks is the freshman physical education teacher.

He is from Miami, FL, and graduated from Ferrum College with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.

His intentions as a college student were not to become a gym teacher.

He also wanted a job that could help the next generation with guidance.

“Being a gym teacher is cool. It feels good being the new teacher here,” Banks said. “It’s everything I expected because I don’t put my focus on people liking me or accepting me.”

Banks was the wide receiver coach, but he told Coach Bruce Devlin, head varsity football coach at CHS, that he wanted a job inside of the school.

Devlin mentioned that Mr. Jason Reece had a P.E. job available. Banks put in his application for the physical education teacher for freshmen and got the job.

“I love all my classes here! I have little to no problems at all,” Banks, said.

Banks previously  coached football and track at Ferrum College. He was also a corrections officer at Green Rock Correctional Facility in Chatham.

He doesn’t think he’s going to be here for more than three years though. Banks plans to continue coaching football in the Xtreme Football League (XFL) back in his home state of Florida, preferably Tampa.