Meet a TC Student: Jaffrie
February 27, 2008 by TC_Risa
Name: Jaffrie Perrotti
Position : Student Ambassador in The Teachers College Office of Admission
Program/Expected Graduation: MA Education Leadership/ Spring 2008
Age: 27
Undergraduate/Major/Graduation: Amherst College/ Law, Jurisprudence & Social Thought; Psychology
Hometown: Winthrop, MA
Prior to TC, I was…Assistant Dean of Students at the New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire.
1. I chose my program because…Teachers College is one of the only schools in the country that has a program in Private School Leadership. I am in a cohort program administered by Dr. Pearl Rock Kane of the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership. The Klingenstein Center is dedicated to improving the quality of independent school education by developing and strengthening leadership among teachers and administrators who work in and with independent schools in the United States and throughout the world.
2. When I was applying to graduate school, I wish I knew…I would go back to eating ramen noodles and macaroni & cheese. I underestimated how dramatically my lifestyle would change, going from being a full-time teacher, to being a full-time student.
3. My favorite class so far has been…Ethical Issues in Education Leadership with Dr. Thomas Sobol. This class immediately challenged my conceptualization of the role of education in America. As I continue my educational career, there is no doubt that I will continually revisit the issues we confronted in the class.
4. My professional goals after I graduate from TC are…to continue positively impacting the lives of today’s youth. I enjoy the challenge of trying to draw the best out of each individual student. Teachers College has definitely given me the skills to be more effective in my professional life.
5. My favorite spot on campus is…College Walk on 116th, between Amsterdam and Broadway. I always try to alter my daily route so that I pass through College Walk. The path cuts through the middle of Columbia’s main campus; surrounded by beautiful architecture and academic buildings…you can’t help but feel intellectually inspired!
6. Recent “study breaks” include…
1. Attending a Rangers ice hockey game at Madison Square Garden
2. Going for a run alongside the Hudson at Riverside Park
3. Joining the fellow members of my program at a wine & cheese reception for Maxine Greene
7. My key to success at TC is…see above!!! Graduate study at Teachers College can be pretty overwhelming, it is important to keep balance in your life and take time to enjoy all that NYC has to offer.
