Originally from San Francisco, James Pewtherer, became one of the founding teachers of Hawthorne Valley School in Harlemville, NY, after graduating from Emerson College in England in 1973. He took two classes through 8th grade and then taught in the high school. After years working to develop AWSNA, including as Eastern Regional Chair, in addition to a term as Chair of the PSC, and as a member of the Hague Circle, he returned to class teaching at the Hartsbrook School in Hadley, MA until his retirement from full-time teaching. He now serves on the Board of the Hartsbrook School.