Education Program

Zaire is the second child of three and is a first-generation college student from the Bronx, New York, who is majoring in Education Studies with a concentration in Secondary Education Math. He found his passion in teaching at a very young age in his schooling, and it has ultimately led him to where he is today. He served as the youngest hire for the NYC Department of Education as a member of TRQ as a consultant for early career pathways for NYC Educators Rising Program and NYC Men Teach. He currently serves as the founder and President of Brandeis's NEA Aspiring Educators Chapter.

Marcel Harris is a current junior from Queens, NYC majoring in Education Studies pursuing a secondary teaching license postgrad. He's the recipient of the Posse Scholarship and Giumette Academic Achievement Award. His focus lies in developing holistic and socially responsive classroom curricula to empower students. Through coursework like "Reading (and Talking Back to) Research on Education”, he’s been inspired by the deep engagement and critical thinking fostered in the field. Beyond academics, his roles as a Hiatt Advisor and Community Advisor have honed his communication and advocacy skills, enabling him to support his peers and foster inclusive campus environments. Transitioning from Physics to Education Studies reflects his commitment to adaptability and growth, traits he aims to instill in his future students. Engaging with underserved communities through programs like Upward Bound, he’s dedicated to advocating for educational equity and addressing communication barriers in classrooms. Grounded in Brandeis's ethos of civic engagement, he’s poised to make a meaningful impact as an educator, striving to expand access to educational opportunities for all.

Rachel is a junior from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She grew up traveling between and attending public school in both the US and Argentina, and has always been fascinated by how cultural differences affect schooling. Though she came into Brandeis as a Theater major, after taking a job as a teaching assistant at Lemberg Children's Center in her first week of college, she quickly realized how fulfilling she finds working with children. She is currently on the Elementary licensure track, with a particular interest in working with English learners, and counts both theater and creative writing minors within her degree. She still works at Lemberg, and is also a Community Advisor on campus.