Mark Getchis is a Program Manager at Deans for Impact, where he collaborates with educator-preparation programs and their district partners to strengthen teacher preparation through aligned practice grounded in learning science.
Prior to joining DFI, Mark supported the development of aspiring and early career teachers as an instructional coach, pre-service site director, and clinical supervisor. A proud third-generation educator, Mark was impacted early in life by teachers and taught secondary social studies in Baltimore for over a decade before going on to become a founding Department Leader for a startup charter school in Brooklyn, NY. The great honor of his teaching career was watching the inaugural class garner a 100% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance.
A Brooklyn resident, Mark enjoys exploring the city’s great parks, museums, and music venues.
Describe a teacher or student who made a lasting impact in your life.
Mr. Clements is one teacher who impacted me and whose influence lived on in my own classroom. As my high school English teacher, Mr. Clements was a fascinating person and thoughtful teacher who not only assigned writing, but also dedicated the time to explicitly teach his students to write well. I can still remember his significant passage techniques that pushed me to think analytically and gave me the structure to organize my ideas and express them coherently. His famous “This passage not only…but also…” frame elevated my thinking and gave me a way to express it. When I taught high school, I “borrowed” this technique from Mr. Clements to push my own students to be deep thinkers and writers.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to aspiring or new teachers?
Find your people. Teaching is too complex to go it alone. Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who are reflective, curious, and supportive. You’ll grow faster and stay grounded.
What’s the best thing about working at DFI?
I enjoy the shared passion and purpose that we bring to our work. It is rare to find a place where there is so much passion pulling in the same direction. Though we approach our mission through different backgrounds, skills, perspectives, and projects, we collaborate and navigate challenges with the common belief that all children deserve a well-prepared teacher.