Jeffrey Garrett, TAC, High School History

Facts:

In high school Jeff followed his principal around for a day as a part of a career exploration program.  From that point on, he began his quest to work as an educator.  Throughout college he worked with young people in a variety of capacities throughout rural Vermont and New Hampshire, Newark, New Jersey, and his hometown of Saint Paul, Minnesota.   Before coming to HGSE Jeff worked as an undergraduate admissions officer at his alma mater, Dartmouth College.  The experience gave him a valuable perspective on the range and disparity among high schools around this country and strengthened his resolve to work in urban public education.  The TAC program’s focus on preparing ambitious, talented educators seemed a perfect fit for Jeff.

Jeff now teaches 12th Grade AP US Government and Politics as well as standard US Government and Politics at the Bronx Academy of Letters, South Bronx, NY

Inside Scoop:

"My time at Harvard has become more valuable to me as time passes.  I think as a student sometimes it’s difficult to be able to step back and have perspective on everything you’re learning and how it will prepare you and shape your professional experience down the line.  I use many of the theoretical and practical lessons I learned at HGSE every day as a teacher in the Bronx.  Also, the network of talented, dedicated professionals I am connected with as a HGSE alum is a priceless resource.

"My favorite aspect of the TAC program was the opportunity to be a part of an energetic and committed community of educators.  There were so many interesting courses, and such a wealth of knowledge about urban education at my fingertips.  Having the opportunity to share the classroom with professors I read as an undergraduate and whose work I had admired for years was an amazing experience.

“What I found Harvard was an amazing group of future educators who are passionate about many of the same things I am. It's inspiring to be around a group of incredibly talented and motivated people who have decided to apply their talents to educating our youth.  HGSE is a small community where the opportunity exists to get to know the members of your cohort, as well as your professors, very well. HGSE is big enough to have a great diversity of ideas, and small enough to let you find your own place in the community.

“One thing that I realized throughout my time at HGSE, and still feel is true now, is just how political the business of education is.  Everything you do, everything you include, and everything you exclude from your classroom and your curriculum is a direct reflection of the values and beliefs of your practice. As a teacher, your responsibility to your students goes far beyond simply imparting knowledge and assessing comprehension.  I think that since my time at HGSE I have become a stronger teacher, more skilled in my pedagogy, and better able to impart the kinds of critical thinking skills I feel are a basic element of social justice.   I strive to expose my students to the kinds of ideas and intellectual experiences that will allow them to be active, empowered participants in a democratic society.”