Jerry Harris’s career reflects the very best of public education and philanthropic stewardship, and his life’s work demonstrates devoted service, steady leadership, and deep love for educators. Jerry spent nearly four decades in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) as both a teacher and principal and is honored with a mural at Roosevelt Elementary School depicting his dedication to the well-being of the children in his care. When he ‘retired’ from SMMUSD in 2007, he brought that same heart and commitment to the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING. Jerry first joined our work as a part-time Principal Liaison and then, beginning in 2013, as Executive Director. Across every role, Jerry brought warmth, wisdom, and a calm presence that made people feel seen, valued, and supported.
At the Cotsen Foundation, Jerry’s belief in people shaped both the culture of the organization and the spirit of its work. He championed the mission of helping good teachers become great and remained a steadfast advocate for teacher growth and professionalism. He created meaningful spaces for learning, reflection, and celebration, always honoring the art of teaching and the people who practice it.
We are profoundly grateful for Jerry’s many contributions to the Cotsen Foundation for almost two decades and for the example he set each day. During the challenges of COVID, his unwavering guidance and calm presence sustained the work and uplifted teachers through a tumultuous time. He broadened the ART of TEACHING program’s vision by elevating social emotional learning and deepening attention to the art of cultivating strong classroom communities. He also created new pathways for educator growth, including designing the Post Fellowship Year to extend Cotsen Fellows’ learning and impact, and establishing communities of practice that brought together specialized groups of teachers—such as those in dual-language classrooms and those with special education credentials—to learn from and support one another. Over time, his leadership strengthened the broader Cotsen network, building an Alumni community with local and national reach, expanding the Annual ART of TEACHING Conference to feature leading educational voices, and launching the Empowered Learning Conference as a space for teachers to present their instructional practices.
Jerry’s legacy is one of integrity, generosity, and strong belief in the power of education to uplift society. As he begins this new adventure, we are glad he will have more time with his wife, son, daughter-in law, and two cherished grandchildren. We are deeply grateful that he will continue as a senior consultant to guide a smooth transition for this next chapter of the Cotsen Foundation.
