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  • About Self-Determination

Careers

We’re not currently hiring, but we’re glad you’re here!

At this time, there are no open positions at the I’m Determined Center. We’re always excited to connect with people who are passionate about empowering youth and supporting self-determination. Please check back soon or follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on future opportunities!

What We Do

We design experiences that empower youth to embrace their strengths, cultivate self-determination, and make a lasting impact on the world.

How We’re Structured

The new I’m Determined Center is structured into two complementary teams: Implementation and Innovation. The Implementation team ensures the effective application of proven strategies, providing direct support to educators, students, and families that sustain and grow the practices associated with self-determination. The Innovation team explores new ideas, emerging technologies, and creative approaches to expand and enhance self-determination initiatives.

Figure-8 infinity loop with implementation on one side, leading into innovation on the other.

Together, these teams create a dynamic synergy—forming an infinity loop where innovation fuels fresh possibilities that are tested and refined for implementation, while successful implementation informs and inspires future innovations. This continuous cycle ensures ongoing growth, adaptation, and lasting impact.

About Us

We believe in:

  1. Centering Youth Voice – Students are not just learners, they are leaders. Their ideas, choices, and agency shape our work.
  2. Filling Your Cup First – Serve and love yourself so you can bring your best to the work and those around you.
  3. Adaptive Agility – Embrace change with flexibility, responsiveness, and a solutions-focused mindset.
  4. Innovation that Fuels Action – Bold ideas drive implementation, and implementation fuels bold ideas—continuous improvement is our norm.
  5. Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness – Learning thrives when students and educators feel skilled, self-directed, and part of a supportive community.

About You

We are seeking dedicated professionals who:

  1. Amplify Youth Stories – Share the voices and journeys of our students through media, resources, and in-person events, making their impact visible.
  2. Support Families as Guides – Provide care, resources, and encouragement so families can confidently support their children’s growth.
  3. Empower Educators to Innovate – Give teachers the freedom and tools to reimagine learning and help students build self-determination.
  4. Believe in Self-Determination – See the world through self-determination-tinted glasses where opportunities for high levels of competence, autonomy, and relatedness thrive.
  5. Measure What Matters – Track and showcase the real outcomes of self-determined students in creative and meaningful ways.

About JMU

The I’m Determined Center is a state-wide center funded by the Virginia Department of Education and is housed at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. All IMD Center team members will share the top-tier benefits that come along with being a JMU employee, such as robust health and dental insurance, paid holidays and ample leave, tuition assistance and reimbursement, retirement plans, and more. 
Learn about JMU benefits

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The I’m Determined project, a state directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior.
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