Meet the Faculty: Joe Scala-Harbert ’16
By Suzanne Morrissey
Joe Scala-Harbert ’16 is new to the World Languages faculty, but he’s not new to Brewster. A graduate of the Class of 2016 and one of eight in his family to attend Brewster, he is thrilled to be back on campus, working and learning through a different lens. Mr. Scala-Harbert spent the last five years at Tilton School, a boarding school also in the Lakes Region.He says the support and dedication of the network of people he stayed connected with over the years inspired his move back to Wolfeboro. Here at Brewster, in addition to teaching French, he will step in as the Assistant Crew Coach for the Fall and Spring seasons. We asked this seasoned Bobcat (and new dad!) a few questions to get to know him a little better.
Q. Welcome back to Brewster! What does it feel like to be back on campus as a teacher?
A. Being a teacher at Brewster feels like a full circle moment! I love the vibe and structure and am loving how I can teach and coach what I love. It’s also nice knowing where everything is!
Q. The new year has just started and we have 120 new students on campus. What is your advice to them if they are feeling nervous?
A. My advice to new students this year: Embrace this new journey! Being a part of Brewster means so much more than just being a student. You’re a part of a family of thousands who walked in the same shoes at one point. Take charge of this opportunity and you won’t regret it.
Q. Your devotion to the study of French runs deep. What first drew you to the language and what do you admire most about French culture?
A. My deep passion for the French language began at Brewster. I fell in love with it almost from the start. After Brewster I decided to study it in college which opened numerous doors for me. I joined and started multiple student organizations that focused on language learning, culture, and travel. I traveled to Canada, Italy, and France, learning more about the foundations of French and how to teach it. I appreciate the diversity of the French language, it is spoken on six of the seven continents and has massive relevance in New England, specifically, New Hampshire.
Q. You’re on the board of the New Hampshire Association of World Language Teachers (NHAWLT). What does that group do?
A. I first heard of NHAWLT while attending their annual conference while in college. I joined their board in 2024 and have been an active member of multiple committees and am currently the chair of their communications and media committee. I presented at their annual conference and was able to bring two advanced students with me to co-present the topics and themes we were learning in class. NHAWLT’s mission states that they will “serve and represent all New Hampshire World Language Teachers.” I am incredibly proud to be a part of this board and hope I can represent French and Brewster well while serving on it.
Q. We know French is your passion. Do you speak any other languages? What language would you love to add to your linguistic resume?
A. I currently can only speak English and French but I would love to learn Italian and Japanese in this lifetime!
Q. You and your husband Clay are new parents…congratulations! Would you like to share any fun or precious new dad moments?
A. Our son Dean was born this past May and has lit up our world! He is such a curious and happy baby, and of course we are biased, but we think he is pretty cute. We are excited to see him grow up on campus.
Q. Do you have any favorite memories from your days as a Brewster student that you can share? And are any of your former teachers or coaches now your colleagues?
A. One of my favorite memories didn’t start off as a favorite at the time. I remember now how nice morning crew practices were. The water was so calm, the sun was beautiful, and I felt like it was an amazing and unique way to start the day. I am so excited to be working with some of my old teachers, even though I wasn’t taught by some of them, I have stayed in touch over the years. This is not a complete list but it has been great working with TJ Palmer (my team leader!), Barb Thomas, Kim Yau, Janice Cornwell, Katie Gardner, Yu Lui, and Allie DeFilippo.
Q. Please describe your perfect work day and your perfect day off.
A. The goal in my classroom is to encourage students to be dynamic and invested learners. French requires dedication, attention to detail, and a willingness to make mistakes and have fun. So all of that goes into my perfect work day. My perfect day off looks like taking a drive or a walk with Dean and Clay, exploring new stores, restaurants, and places in nature. I am also content staying home all day!
Q. Weird closing question: Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible and why?
A. I think I would rather fly, it would help me get over my fear of heights!
Q. Okay, I lied, I have one more question: What music/artists/songs are you enjoying these days?
A. These days, I am really into Lo Fi as a genre and a toss up between Morrissey and Blanco White as artists.
