Dr. James Stanfield spent his career bridging film, technology, and special education. The company he built has helped over 250,000 students develop the social skills they need to thrive.
250K+Students
50K+Teachers
10K+Institutions
60+Programs
The Founder
Dr. James Stanfield
Professor, filmmaker, inventor, and Academy Award recipient.
A Teacher Who Changed the Field
James Stanfield began his career as a special education instructor in Los Angeles City Schools, where he saw firsthand how few effective tools existed for teaching social skills to students with cognitive, learning, and behavioral difficulties.
Rather than accept the status quo, he went back to school — earning a BA in Psychology from UCLA, an MA in Educational Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a Doctorate in Special Education and Instructional Design from USC.
BA Psychology, UCLA MA Ed. Psychology, CSUN EdD Special Ed., USC
From Hollywood to the Classroom
Stanfield's parallel career in film technology earned him an Academy Award for Technical Achievement in 1979 — alongside Paul W. Trester — for inventing a device to repair and protect sprocket holes in motion picture film.
He brought that same inventive spirit to education. In 1999, he coined and trademarked the term "Video Modeling" — a teaching method that uses trained actors to model different ways of responding to social challenges and their consequences. Today, Video Modeling is used in special education programs worldwide.
He also served as Professor of Special Education at the CSULA Graduate Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, training the next generation of special education teachers.
You learn best when you laugh. Humor captivates, disarms, and opens the mind to learning in ways that lectures never can.
Dr. James Stanfield — Founder, James Stanfield Company
Our Approach
How We Teach
Three principles that make Stanfield programs uniquely effective.
Humor First
Instead of dry, lecture-style content, we use comedy to captivate. The Stanfield Comedy Players present wince-worthy scenarios that students recognize from their own lives — making difficult lessons feel safe and relatable.
Video Modeling
Trained actors model three different ways to respond to a social challenge — and the positive or negative consequences of each. Students learn vicariously instead of through trial and error, building insight into appropriate social behaviors.
Teacher-Ready
Every program ships with comprehensive teacher's guides, detailed lesson plans, printable worksheets, and assessment tools. No prep required — you can start teaching the day it arrives.
Milestones
Over 50 Years of Impact
1972
First Award for Socio-Sexual Education
The American Association on Mental Retardation's Social/Sexual Concerns Group presents James Stanfield with the first-ever award for developing socio-sexual training materials for people with disabilities.
1979
Academy Award for Technical Achievement
James Stanfield and Paul W. Trester receive an Academy Award for the development and manufacture of a device for the repair and protection of sprocket holes in motion picture film.
1999
Video Modeling Trademarked
Stanfield coins the term "Video Modeling" and registers the official U.S. trademark — establishing the teaching methodology now used in special education worldwide.
2001
BeCool Featured in TIME Magazine
TIME Magazine highlights BeCool as an effective anti-bullying program, where students learn to choose "cool" responses over "hot" reactions to conflict situations.
2010
Communicator Award of Excellence
First Job Survival Skills wins the prestigious Communicator Award, recognizing outstanding work in video production for education.
2015
Validated by Harvard University
A quasi-experimental study at a Boston public school finds the Circles curriculum significantly increases knowledge of social safety and appropriate boundaries for students with developmental disabilities.
2020
Peer-Reviewed in American Journal of Sexuality Education
A pilot study demonstrates improved comprehension of appropriate social boundaries following use of the Circles curriculum with young adult females with Down syndrome.
2024
Stanfield+ Launches
The Stanfield+ streaming platform goes live, giving educators instant access to 60+ programs, teacher's guides, and ready-made lessons — all streamable from any device.
Our Team
Family-Run, Mission-Driven
Built by educators and specialists who understand the unique challenges of special education.
JS
Dr. James Stanfield
Founder & President
ES
Evan Stanfield
CEO & Digital Lead
GS
Dr. Garilynn Stanfield
Sexuality Curriculum
SS
Stacey Stanfield, N.P.
Health Curriculum
RS
Dr. Rebecca Silva
Transition Skills
LF
Dr. Louise Fulton
Transition Skills
MC
Marklyn Champagne
Intimacy & Relationships
LW
Leslie Walker-Hirsch
Intimacy & Relationships
Ready to get started?
Join thousands of educators using Stanfield curriculum in their classrooms.