Seth Harris

Seth Harris grew up watching his father pause courtroom proceedings to explain them to visiting students. He planned to become a lawyer, then realized that what he most enjoyed was getting other people interested in the law. Today, he teaches seventh-grade civics and U.S. history at Shaker Middle School.

In Harris’ Law Day mock trial, seventh graders serve as attorneys, witnesses, court personnel, and jurors. The trial is unscripted. Students study the facts, develop arguments, make objections, and deliberate. After the verdict, they examine which evidence persuaded the jury, including when the outcome wasn’t what they wanted.

He brings that practical approach to local government. When Harris asks students whether they’ve interacted with the government that morning, they initially say no. Then he asks about the water they used and the roads they traveled. A complaint about a pothole leads to a discussion about who can fix it.

“How do you get things done that you want done?” Harris asks. He encourages students to attend local board meetings, learn when and how to speak, and work with others on shared concerns. Students have advocated for turning an old railway spur into a bike path. Harris takes particular pride in watching them realize they’re being heard.