Intellectual Contribution/Faculty Tribute Award Recipient: Andrew Cabot, SS'09

Andrew Cabot, Ed.M.'09, may be a man of few words, but he leaves an indelible mark on the Special Studies Program (SS), where he served as the unofficial teaching fellow, advising, mentoring, encouraging, and supporting students throughout the year.

"Andrew contributed greatly to the intellectual life of the students in the Special Studies Program this year," says John Collins, director of the Special Studies Program. "He represented Special Studies as a member of student government. He organized and hosted events for the program and regularly notified his cohort of extracurricular opportunities for learning. He has already organized the group into an ongoing Special Studies alumni network and has reached out to next year's incoming students. Andrew's contributions are remarkable in their breadth and scope. The entire cohort, beginning with me, owes him a debt of gratitude."

Upon learning that he had been honored with the Intellectual Contribution/Faculty Tribute Award for SS, he answered some questions about his time at the Ed School and beyond.

What was your goal upon entering the Ed School?
I had a number of areas of interest including exploring the viability of loosely coupled, full-service community fabrics, and related assessment models. I am looking forward to applying what I have learned in the field.

What are your post-HGSE plans?
I am exploring opportunities that fall in the spectrum between socially responsible businesses and education-centric not-for-profits. No matter my final selection, I will remain actively involved in K-12 education in a number of capacities.

What is something that you learned at HGSE that you will take with you throughout your career in education?
How essential respect is in the relationship between teacher and student for both teaching and learning to take place.

Is there any professor who significantly shaped your experience at the Ed School?
Professor [Richard] Elmore and [Lecturer Harry] Spence whose respect for the student and class, and engagement and commitment to instruction is inspiring.

Any special study spots on campus (or off)?
I tried to study in every library on the extended Harvard campus...and didn't come close.

What advice do you have for next year's students going through your program?
Be a good citizen, don't hold back and keep your heart full.

If you could change one thing about education today, what would it be and why?
How much time do we have...?

2009 Intellectual Contribution/Faculty Tribute Award Recipients

Suzannah Holsenbeck, TEP

Elisha Brookover, L&L'09

Mangala Nanda, IEP'09

Andrew Cabot, SS'09

Nancy Schoolcraft, MBE'09

Joe Baker, EPM'09

Kathy Yang, L&T'09

Angelica Brisk, AIE'09

Melissa Mayes, R&P'09

Jerome "Jay" Green, HDP'09

Ashton Wheeler Clemmmons, SLP'09

Terri-Nicole Singleton, TIE'09

Emily Almas, HE'09