For Garold Harris of Matthew Gilbert Middle School, creativity is not an extra. It is an essential part of helping teachers design meaningful learning experiences and helping students stay engaged.
As a Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellow, Harris traveled to New York City to attend a creativity conference focused on building creative capacity in adults. The Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship gives K-12 Duval County public school teachers the opportunity to pursue innovative professional development of their choosing, helping them return to their schools with new ideas, renewed passion, and fresh perspectives for their students and colleagues.
For Harris, the goal was to reactivate his own creativity so he could better support both teachers and students at Matthew Gilbert Middle School.
His experience began long before he arrived in New York. From the application process to the surprise of being selected as a Fellow, Harris said the support he received from JPEF helped make the experience smooth and meaningful. Once in New York, he had the opportunity to participate in direct professional learning while also exploring one of the most creative cities in the world.
From Brooklyn to Harlem, SoHo, Chelsea, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park, Harris experienced the energy, diversity, and cultural richness of New York City in the summer. He described the trip as serendipitous, with restaurant week taking place during his visit and countless opportunities to learn from the city itself.
His favorite part was experiencing New York as a whole. Whether attending Broadway shows, visiting museums, riding the train, or observing people from all walks of life, Harris was inspired by the way different cultures and stories come together to create the fabric of the city.
At Matthew Gilbert, Harris plans to share that inspiration with his peers. He hopes to promote the Fellowship to other teachers and lead professional development focused on creative teaching practices. As the school emphasizes student-centered learning and engagement, Harris believes helping teachers build their creative capacity will lead to more intentional planning and stronger classroom experiences for students.
The highlight of his Fellowship experience was seeing Gypsy on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald. For Harris, the performance was more than entertainment. It was a powerful reminder of how creativity, storytelling, and representation can create unforgettable learning moments.