Meet Ms. Indya Harrison: Teaching with Heart, Creativity, and Flavor
This year, The John Crosland School welcomed an incredible addition to our teaching staff: Ms. Indya Harrison. With 19+ years in education, Ms. Harrison has seamlessly blended her passion for Middle School Social Studies, ELA, and even cooking to make learning engaging, dynamic, and memorable.
Hailing from Linden, NJ, Ms. Harrison’s love for Social Studies and ELA started early, and those subjects remain close to her heart. But what truly sets her apart is her knack for thinking outside the box. “I love hands-on projects, especially cooking,” she says. And she means it—her Cooking Masterclass was a huge hit with students, teaching everything from teamwork to the art of seasoning, both in the kitchen and in life.
A Story of Belonging
Ms. Harrison’s own journey to feeling a sense of belonging was shaped by a pivotal figure in her life: her former principal, Mr. Kulp, at Our Lady of Assumption. “As the only Muslim in a Catholic school, he embraced my identity and taught me the value of being unapologetically myself,” she recalls. “He showed me that being unique and different can have a profound impact on the lives of students.”
Now, Ms. Harrison brings that same lesson to her own students. She helps them BELIEVE in themselves by building strong relationships and showing them that she understands their struggles. “I believe in them because I see myself in them,” she says. “At heart, I’m a big kid too, and I use that to connect with them and boost their confidence.”
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
In her cozy, colorful classroom, Ms. Harrison ensures every student feels seen and heard. She knows that recognition and respect are key to their success. “To succeed, students should feel recognized for who they are, have the opportunity to speak their minds respectfully, and know their voices truly matter,” she explains.
Her students have been lucky to experience her innovative projects, like crafting clay models of Greek architecture and recreating Ancient Egyptian dishes such as ful, rice, and honey donuts. These activities don’t just teach history—they make it come alive.
Outside of class, Ms. Harrison is just as impactful. She fosters teamwork through cup-building challenges, cheers on students at basketball games, and creates a warm, welcoming environment wherever she goes.
The Seasoning of Success
Whether she’s guiding students through the curriculum or a recipe, Ms. Harrison ensures the experience is enriching, fun, and full of flavor. As she continues her first year teaching at Crosland, it is clear that Ms. Harrison has already made a lasting impact on our community. Students and staff alike are better for having her here, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll bring to the table next!
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