Sean Breen, MBE'11: Putting Research into Practice

Sean Breen enrolled in the Ed School's Mind, Brain, Education (MBE) Program with the goal to investigate the connection between music and cognitive performance - primarily language acquisition. At the forefront of his mind was learning how to strengthen both the music and reading programs at the San Francisco school where he teaches.

"Sean has a special talent for connecting material in cognitive and neuroscience to educational questions," says Professor Kurt Fischer, director of MBE. "His comments are always both incisive and kind. In the process he helps make things understandable in a way that enhances the intellectual growth of his fellow students. You can be sure that it Sean says something, it is both meaningful and worth thinking about."

Just as Breen originally planned, he will return to his San Francisco school to teach this fall. However, he realizes that his goal has changed. "While I have a much deeper appreciation for the power of music, I am also much more aware of other aspects of learning (and teaching) that play important roles in education. A significant part of my goal now is to act as a translator between the worlds of research and the practice," he says.

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

What was your favorite class and why? Wow. Eight courses, each wonderful in its own way. But if I must choose, it would be GoodWork in Education: When Excellence, Engagement, and Ethics taught by [Professor] Howard Gardner. It was different from my other courses in that it encouraged me to speak with my own "voice." Professor Gardner and the TFs encouraged each class member to not only take a stand, but to be able to back it up. What I learned about GoodWork has already influenced how I view teaching -- as a profession and as a personal challenge. It was because of my experiences in Professor Gardner's class that I felt confident enough to find a voice in other classes such as Professor [Paul] Harris'Cognitive Development and Trust and Testimony.

What is something that you learned at HGSE that you will take with you throughout your career in education? The beauty of variability and the power of emotion in learning and teaching.

How did you stay inspired throughout the year? Each day was like opening a new intellectual present. I never knew what stunning insights my classmates may voice, or challenges the professors would pose. How could I not be inspired?

What advice do you have for next year's students going through your program? Be prepared to find your voice. You are here for a reason; take advantage of it. Be heard. Make mistakes. This is how learning takes place.

If you could transport one person/place/thing from HGSE to your next destination, what would it be? I would transport the wonderful international students who have been such powerful influences on me. I would love for my school to be able to experience what the world has to offer first hand, not from a text book, but from the stories and experiences of citizens of our planet.

Favorite place to get a slice of pizza in the Square? Well, after putting on the freshman 15 (lbs!) I had to swear off pizza, but before that sad day arrived I was partial to Upper Crust. Nice owner, decent price, not too heavy. Not to mention in, fed, and out in 20 minutes.