Art instructor inspires his students every day
Abe Harris won’t let challenge keep him from his goals
By Michael D. Clark THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER
HAMILTON, Ohio — Teacher Abe Harris’ extraordinary grasp of his potential long ago exceeded his reach.
The armless art instructor at Riverview Elementary in Hamilton has overcome a daunting physical challenge to excel as both a veteran teacher and youth sports coach.
Born without normal arms, Harris jokingly refers to the 6-inch protrusions from his shoulders as his “nubs.” As a youngster, he learned to manipulate them deftly and has flourished in both his professional and personal life.
The married, 33-year-old father of a young daughter spends each school day surrounded by his students, who learn both art and life lessons from his inspirational example.
Since high school, Harris has hung a large poster of NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, shown with his expansive arms outstretched to full length. The stark image is accompanied by a caption from English poet William Blake: “No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.”
Riverview Principal Mary Anne Hughes has lofty praise for Harris’ talents.
- “Not only is he the art teacher for the entire student body, but he also is the intramurals coordinator and our volleyball, soccer, basketball and track coach,” Hughes said. “Mr. Harris provides an excellent role model for the entire River-view family.”
A short Q&A with Harris:
Q: What are your first memories of wanting to be a teacher, and were you discouraged from such work because of your challenge?
A: I didn’t think of being a teacher until my second semester at Miami University.
I was taking as many art classes as I could get when one day an instructor suggested I consider art education.
He said I had a unique perspective on how art was created and was able to help people solve problems in new ways.
Q: Was there one person who inspired you to hold on to and live your dream of becoming a teacher?
A: I have been supported by so many wonderful people, from parents to principals, and everyone in between. I wouldn’t have been the young man I was without the support of my mother, who refused to let me think I was different from the other kids.
Q: Can you describe the initial reactions of new students to your art class and sports teams?
A: I have been fortunate to work in the same community on the east side of Hamilton for most of my teaching career. I have known my varsity soccer players since they were in elementary school.
I have known some of the first- through sixth-graders I teach since they came to conference night in a stroller with their siblings.
Q: What advantages does your challenge allow you as a teacher and coach?
A: In some ways, it is harder to model and demonstrate making 3-D works of art to students who are learning it for the first time. I have found a way of using older students to help show … how the process would look using hands.
Harris, here instructing fifth-graders, is the art teacher for the entire elementary school, plus a sports coach.
