Daniel Garvey

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and what were you doing before arriving at THINK Global School? 

Hello, I am Daniel. I am from eastern Long Island and have been a science teacher for 8 years. I had previously worked at TGS and am happy to return to the group, especially with the PBL format. I have worked in public education and international education (2 years in Malaysia).

2. What do you love most about teaching?

I enjoy learning. Teaching means I get to constantly learn and be engaged. When you work with younger generations you are perpetually engaged and challenged and you get to enjoy watching them grow. I feel as though it is a natural occupation with anti-aging qualities.

3. What aspects of THINK Global School’s educational model do you find most appealing?

Project-based learning. 100% believe that one’s learning is enhanced by doing.

4. If you could make one major change to global education, what would it be?

It’s always changing, anyway. I would simply keep that aspect in it. Change is good.

5. Describe your teaching style or philosophy. Do you have any unique teaching methods you use to keep students engaged?

I like asking questions. I am really just curious as to what kids think about and how they think in general. I don’t know if I have a “style,” I just flow with it.

6. Which of our core values do you feel you most embody, and why?

Kaizen – I Still don’t know it all and wont ever know it all. But I would like to know more.

7. Tell us about your favorite teaching experience, pre-TGS

I had the opportunity to teach in an outdoor marine biology camp. We took students into marshes, beaches, and waterways. The students were performing field research and experiencing everything first hand. I was dubbed the 25th student because I was enjoying the classes so much. I still have the camp shirt signed by those 24 students. They were a terrific group.

8. What is your most memorable travel experience thus far?

I was robbed in Costa Rica. They took my passport, money, camera, drivers license, and pretty much anything important. I was left with my surfboards and clothes. This aspect was un-fun. The part that I remembered most was having gone through the experience with my new found friend Alex who was in the same situation. We immediately leaned on each other, bonded in the experience, and were able to sort ourselves out. After the event, I was proud to have overcome the challenge and felt much more confident in myself, it was really a growth moment for a younger me. Alex is still a friend as well. It is always interesting how trivial moments turn out to be great moments.

9. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Anywhere that has surf, clear waters, and happy people.

10. What is your favorite book, and why?

This changes often. Currently I am all about Tribe by Sebastian Junger. I like the message it sends about humans needing to reconnect with each other in a currently very technology isolating world.