Garbar, Jonathan
Jonathan Garbar
Intervention Specialist
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Where he lives: Manhattan
Teaching since: 2001
At P.S. 8 since: 2004
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"What I love about P.S.8 is its diversity," says Jonathan Garbar, "but this same diversity also causes tensions sometimes, especially in the upper grades, where we see curiosity about race, gender and culture. In our conflict resolution workshop we try to answer questions and to teach tolerance and acceptance." Once a week he and drama teacher Ms. Gentile work with students from grades 3 to 5 to prepare them for life in a multi-faceted community. Since Mr. Garbar's position of intervention specialist was created just this school year, he sometimes feels his work is "like applying band-aids." In the future, he wishes to go into the younger grades as well, to help them understanding diversity from an early age.
As the intervention specialist, Mr. Garbar, "Mr. G" to his students, not only troubleshoots in conflict situations but also can work with single students or small groups who need help - socially or academically. His work ranges from math tutoring to teaching about leadership skills. He uses unusual approaches to build self-esteem and confidence: a filmmaking project, for example, includes script writing, filming, acting, and editing. "I want to teach the kids to feel more comfortable about asking questions and expressing their feelings."
Mr. Garbar meets with students from every upper grade class twice a week, in the process forming strong relationships. But his social counseling goes beyond regular school hours. A group of boys who are being raised without male role models are being helped in his "Big Brother Program." On Sundays a group of 4th and 5th graders meets with students from the Benjamin Banneker High School, where Mr. G. coaches the soccer team. The boys are doing homework together, playing, and talking. "It is really important for the little ones to have a male mentor to look up to," explains Mr. G.
Jonathan Garbar started at P.S. 8 teaching phys-ed and Spanish. In 2005-2006 he taught 2nd grade in the Collaborative Team Teaching classroom with Ms. Gentile, the next year moving up with this same class and co-teacher to 3rd grade.
Mr. G completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Delaware and earned his master's degree in special education/bilingual studies at Pace University. On weekends, he enjoys going to jazz clubs and poetry lounges and visiting with family in New Jersey, where he grew up. Born in Colombia, he tries to spend all his free time with his remote family in South America. "That's where my roots are," he says.
Posted on: February 12, 2008
