For example:
* Je suis heureux. (I am happy.)
* Je suis étudiant. (I am a student.)
However, "am" can also be part of a verb phrase, like "I am going." In that case, you would use the verb "être" (to be) in the present tense, conjugated appropriately for the subject pronoun.
For example:
* Je vais à l'école. (I am going to school.)
* Je mange un sandwich. (I am eating a sandwich.)