President Biden Presents Former Cambridge Public Schools Principal With National Humanities Medal
Former Fletcher Maynard Academy Principal Robin Harris Honored at the White House
Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) is proud to share that former Fletcher Maynard Academy (FMA) Principal and Director of Family Engagement, Robin Harris, has been awarded the 2022 National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The National Humanities Medal honors those who have broadened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, enhanced citizen engagement regarding history or literature, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to cultural resources. President Joseph R. Biden presented the 2022 and 2023 National Humanities Medals and National Medal of Arts on Monday, October 21, 2024.
“The humanities are essential to life in America. They create spaces for all voices, especially those marginalized or on the fringe, to be seen and heard. They help foster critical thinking, empathy, and creativity, empowering individuals, especially our young scholars to make informed choices, challenge injustices, and contribute to a more equitable society. To be recognized in this space is an extraordinary honor,” stated Robin Harris.
FMA opened its doors in 2002 following the Fletcher School and Maynard School merger. Harris served as the school's first principal for 20 years. Under her leadership, she built a culture of co-ownership that improved academic outcomes and fostered a positive school climate. Robin spearheaded numerous field trips around the world, including to China, Puerto Rico, India, and Italy to promote connected and culturally relevant learning opportunities while ensuring equitable access to immersive exploration through travel.
“My students and I traveled all over the state, even to Rhode Island. For our school’s international trips, she fundraised all the time to make sure kids could participate. Robin valued and promoted field trips which broadened the students’ education to incorporate the world around them,” stated Rosalind O’Sullivan, former FMA kindergarten teacher.
As principal, she launched “Courageous Conversations,” an open discussion among families, educators, and community members to remove barriers and build “equity bridges” for children. She also launched home visits, “Qualls Academy,” a tailored mentorship program to empower young men of color, and played an integral role in supporting the Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time initiative. Her work changed engagement practices district-wide, resulting in her transition to Director of Family Engagement for the district.
Interim Superintendent, David Murphy praised Robin’s leadership stating that “Robin helped bring about an era of enhanced equity and inclusive engagement that changed Cambridge’s approach to fostering relationships with families. I am grateful to her for her ongoing commitment to the field of education from which we as a district and community continue to benefit. She has created a legacy grounded in equity by expanding access to opportunities for students, families, and educators, and she has done this while leading with compassion and grace.”
Harris continues to partner with school districts to find ways to dismantle educational inequities and empower youth. Learn more about Robin Harris by reading her
profile via the National Endowment for the Humanities website.