Team Spotlight: Tara Eagan ’12

This is my second year teaching but my first at Harlem Academy. The motivation to be in education stemmed from the amazing women of color who assisted in my journey to higher education. After graduating from Harlem Academy, I attended predominantly white institutions, which was a cultural shock for me. Through mentorship, I was offered a safe haven. It made me feel like I could do anything. Being a teacher gives me the ability to offer that same feeling to children in my classroom. I want my students to see themselves in me. I want them to be able to look at me and say, "I can do that, too!"

As a 2012 graduate, I already knew the mission and values of Harlem Academy, as well as the familial feeling that the school offered. Not much has changed, which is a great thing. It feels like I came back home. I believe our new school building offers current and future students a place to grow.