MASTERY COACHING WITH

JAMES O'NEAL

EDUCATIONAL & LEADERSHIP COACH

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Book your appointment today and gain practical strategies that inspire, engage, and empower every student.

Hi, I'm James O'Neal!

A coach. A life-long learner. A champion for equity in both classrooms and boardrooms.

My story begins in a small town—Belhaven, North Carolina—where I grew up as a curious Black boy who loved to read and imagine more for himself. Not much was expected of boys who looked like me. That changed when one teacher, Mrs. Simmons, saw something more.

She moved me from a standard 8th-grade class into Algebra 1, opening a door I didn’t even know existed. That one decision changed everything. She saw potential and tore down the limits that were blocking my progress. It taught me the power of belief, advocacy, and courageous leadership.

That’s what I do now.

I help educators and leaders see the unseen brilliance in their students, staff, and themselves.

I became a coach not just to support teaching—but to transform leadership. Because leadership decisions create ripple effects: In the hallway, in the classroom, in the culture.

I’ve seen schools and systems shift when leaders are willing to challenge their own defaults, unpack their biases, and build new habits grounded in clarity, equity, and vision.

Whether I’m coaching a principal, a C-suite leader, or a classroom teacher—my mission is the same: To unlock the conditions for mastery.

We can't demand mastery from students without mastery teachers and leaders!

That’s where I come in.

BOOK A COACHING DISCOVERY CALL

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Before entering a contractual agreement for coaching, all clients must book a discovery call

BOOK A Single Intro Coaching Session (ONE-OFF)

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This service is designed for people who ultimately know I'm your coach but want to do a session with me before signing a contract

MASTERY FOR ALL SERVICES FORM

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Let me know what you are interested in by filling out this 5-minute interest form

What You Get When You Get Me

Working with me isn’t about downloading a strategy playbook or getting a list of to-dos.

I’m not your consultant.

I’m your coach.

That means I’m not here to give you answers—I’m here to help you uncover the ones already inside of you.

Whether you're an executive, a school leader, or somewhere in between, our work together is about helping you lead with conviction, clarity, and alignment. I help you name the vision, live into it, and lead others through it—without losing yourself in the process.

You’ll wrestle with hard questions.

You’ll get called out and called up.

You’ll face the patterns that have kept you reactive, not reflective.

But on the other side of that?

You’ll show up with a leadership identity that is anchored, accountable, and unshakably clear.

Just ask the leaders I’ve worked with—like Corey, who went from constantly carrying his team’s weight to building a leadership philosophy that’s sustainable, scalable, and aligned with who he truly is.

When you coach with me, you don’t just learn how to lead others better.

You learn how to lead yourself.

Testimonials

"James' coaching was a game-changer. His thoughtful questions guided me to my own conclusions, helping me see possibilities in my current situation. Redirecting my vision to possibilities restored my natural ability to think creatively about solutions for my students. Working with him feels like collaborating with a knowledgeable, committed colleague."

- Chandra White-Cummings

Teacher

"Working with James O’Neal was a breakthrough experience in my leadership journey. He created space for deep reflection that helped me uncover blind spots and align my actions with my values. Rather than offering quick fixes, James asked powerful questions that challenged me to think differently and lead more intentionally. The impact was immediate. My team responded to the shift in my presence, communication opened up, and our culture began to transform. James is the kind of coach who does not just support your growth. He activates it."

- Dr. Corey Morrison

Director of Mathematics at Chicago Public Schools

"With the help of James, students have been able to see themselves in a different light. It started with small praise, and now even struggling readers are growing. Students who never imagined success now embrace it, shifting from dreading math to excitement. It's been a lot of work, but the Intensive and his coaching have helped tremendously."

- Robert Cusic

Teacher

"Working with James O’Neal through Mastery For All was a game-changer as I launched my consulting journey. His coaching style is a powerful balance of support and challenge. He never gave me the answers but instead asked the right questions that pushed me to reflect, clarify, and ultimately define my “secret sauce.” James made the process feel tailored to me. Even when I doubted myself, he was a steady encourager and a thoughtful guide. What stands out most is that his support didn’t stop when our formal coaching sessions ended; he continues to check in, offer resources, and connect me with others in the field. He genuinely cares and wants to see you win. Honest, insightful, and deeply committed—that’s James."

- Dr. Ruben Chiza

Principal of Maya Angelou French Immersion IB World School

Founder of The Right Capacity LLC

"James is incredible at what he does. His coaching techniques are highly effective and tailored to fit your personality and teaching style, helping you connect more deeply with your students. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve been able to develop new and engaging ways to teach. One of my students progressed from a 2nd-grade level to the beginning of 7th-grade level in math—a true testament to how impactful James’s coaching has been on my teaching skills."

- Donnell Hawkins

Teacher

"Working with James O'Neal as my Math coach has been an incredibly positive experience. From the very beginning, James took the time to truly listen to my concerns and goals. His thoughtful and constructive feedback helped me grow both in confidence and in my instructional practice. What stood out most was his consistent support—James regularly checked in, offered encouragement, and made himself available whenever I needed guidance. His approachable and patient demeanor made it easy to ask questions and try new strategies in the classroom. I'm truly grateful for his mentorship and the impact he's had on my teaching journey."