Name: Travis Harris
Age: 44
Title: Director of Special Education, Gompers Private School
Married/Single: Single
Kids: None
City you live in: Gilbert
A typical day in my life includes…
catching up on the 33 emails that get sent to me between 6 pm and 6 am.
I was born…
in Phoenix, AZ.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the weather, I do not like the cold.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Hunter S. Thompson.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a Marine Biologist.
I’m inspired by…
how educators, parents, caregivers, and students have worked together during school building closures.
The one person who motivates me is…
my mom.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
for students to safely return to classrooms.
My first job was…
video store clerk.
My favorite escape…
waterslides.
I’m currently working on…
plans to safely reopen the school in August and improving online instruction if school buildings remain closed.
Always…
try to be nice and never fail to be kind.
Never…
be cruel or cowardly. Remember, hate is always foolish and love is always wise. Oh, and never ever eat pears!
Favorite Quote…
“We live to be good but the bad works hard and works us down to despair, but I refuse to be bad!” – Jack Kerouac
More about Travis…
Travis Harris is a native to Arizona. He received Bachelor Degrees in both Elementary Education and Special Education from Arizona State University in 2008. Travis has 20 years of experience supporting individuals with special needs as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, Special Olympics coach, caregiver, and certified crisis prevention/intervention instructor. He believes education is one of the most important tools a person can have in life and works with each person to reach their full potential. Travis became Director of Special Education at Gompers Private School (GPS) in December 2016. As an administrator at GPS, he supervises teachers, oversees curriculum, and meets with representatives of all the public school district’s GPS supports. In his spare time Travis likes to read and go on adventures.
More about Gompers…
with campuses in Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria, Gompers serves 500 students and adults with physical and developmental disabilities in the metro-Phoenix area. Individuals receive services through four unique programs. Gompers Private School utilizes research-based, special education strategies to develop each student’s academic strengths while using a variety of teaching methods to increase communication and independence. Their Day Training for Adults program is built around community integration and self-determination. Individuals ages 18 and older are encouraged to fulfill their dreams and maximize their abilities to reach their highest potential for independence. Our employment services program offers one of the finest employment readiness programs for people with disabilities. Members have opportunities to explore interests and gain experience with a goal of independent, competitive employment. In-Home Services offers habilitation, respite, and attendant care services for individuals with disabilities. In each of our programs, assistive technology services provide individuals with a diverse range of disabilities access to various assistive or adaptive products, devices, or equipment to support increased communication and independence.
