Jim S. Furman began his career as a middle school English teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana, later teaching high school English in Denver, Colorado, and working as a professor of education in Delaware and New Orleans. He has coached future, novice, and veteran K–12 teachers in literacy, social studies, math, and science instruction; supported school leaders in urban schools to build and improve systems of teacher professional development; redesigned teacher preparation programs, field experiences, and assessments; and conducted research focused on teacher preparation and adolescent literacy. Furman served as the executive director of the Danielson Group from 2018 to 2024.