Q&A: TAP profile
Denise Grey
Denise Grey appreciates how much the Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) helps her remain at the top of her game professionally. An instructional Web developer/analyst at Harvard Law School, she used TAP to earn a Certificate in Technologies of Education (CTE) in 2003, and she's applying to the new master's program in technologies of education for fall 2005.
You have a great job at the University. Why stay on campus after hours for classes?
You have to stay in tune with what is out there in this position. My job involves many layers, including mastering the mechanics of technology, determining its appropriate use, incorporating emerging practices from a particular field of study, and adhering to learning theories that enhance teaching style. What I found so attractive about the CTE was the different educational learning communities, age groups, and subject matters that I encountered.
Going to school while working full time is challenging. How do you make it work?
The program is very flexible and has classes that run at convenient times for someone who works a schedule that can often exceed full time. I even found some classes that I took entirely online and ones that met on the weekends or every other week. Working at Harvard, there is definitely an appreciation for education and the pursuit of professional development, but it can be difficult to balance the demands at work and the pressure of going to school at the same time. I have been fortunate to have the full support and encouragement of my supervisors, and that has made all the difference in the world.
Do you think you would have enrolled in your program of study if it weren't for TAP?
It really was the primary motivator at the time. I was looking through the benefits package when I was hired and saw it as a great opportunity. At first, I just started taking classes that interested me because I hadn't found a program of study that matched what I wanted to do. Then, after I had taken a few courses, the CTE Program was introduced. It was an immediate fit.
Harvard employees interested in learning more about TAP should log on to the employee intranet at http://harvie.harvard.edu.