We caught up with the brilliant and insightful CJ Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

CJ, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

My defining moment in education was when I was assigned my first classroom. That moment was so important to me because this wasn’t my first experience in education, but it officially made me a teacher. Despite my experience as an interventionist and as an Assistant Director of a prominent academy, none of the leaders from my past felt that I was ready to lead a classroom full time.

The things that made that moment so special to me were the instant acceptance and encouragement that came along with the offer. My principal not only believed that I was ready to lead children; she believed that there was no one better equipped. From day one, the school was a catalyst to my growth, allowing me the autonomy to be exactly what I wanted to be in the classroom and create several extra-curricular programs to better support my scholars.

I created a football team, which was the first after-school program for the academy. Following that, I created a tutoring program, which gave me the idea to start my very own non-profit organization, The Harris Educational Advancement Division. Since its formation, the HEA Division has raised over $30,000 and has allowed me to found a school in Tanzania, Africa. My start there also allowed me to partner up with impactful educational organizations like the Man Up Teacher Residency, whose main purpose is to encourage men of color to teach so that there’s more male representation in education.

The results of her belief in me allowed me to be recognized on national stages several times in my career. So far, those moments of recognition, have shaped my mindset in a way that I truly believe represents my community and mankind as a whole.

CJ, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I found education in a fairly unorthodox way. Growing up, I was a very “flavorful” student, and I paid close attention to how my teachers interacted with me every year. Some years were better than others, but I noticed that I always learned more from teachers who intentionally created and maintained relationships with me and my parents and showed interest in my likes and dislikes. As I grew older and noticed that more teachers became less intentional, I began to imagine how I could have a similar impact on the youth.

That feeling stuck with me and became one of the pillars used to create my non-profit, The Harris Educational Advancement Division. We’ve done amazing things to support our community including virtually tutoring hundreds of children in the height of the pandemic, starting an academy in Africa, and providing donated food and clothing to the local homeless community.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think that the most important virtue or skill to have as an educator is patience. Not just for yourself, (because it can be easily frustrating when well-planned ideas or lessons don’t become fruitful) but also with patience for your students. Communication is an art of patience and as a teacher, it’s our job to find the medium that works best so that you can be the artist your student needs.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

There is no doubt that education is my calling. To be able to impart knowledge and experience to future generations is by far one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. I’d change nothing and would do it all the same if I had to start back over. The only thing that I would have done differently was buying Bitcoin super early.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harriseducate.org/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-harris-mat/