Dean of Harvard Ed School discusses the essential questions and right answers in new book
Last year, James Ryan, dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, gave a Commencement speech that went viral. To his surprise, a literary agent contacted him and persuaded him to write a book. The result, “Wait, What? and Life’s Other Essential Questions,” was published earlier this month. The Gazette interviewed Ryan about his book, the Ed School, and the questions he considers essential to a rewarding life. GAZETTE: Last year, a speech by a graduating student, Donovan Livingston, also went viral. Why do you think two speeches from the Ed School resonated so much with the general public? RYAN: I just think there is something in the water at the Ed School [laughs]. I do think people are looking for inspiration, especially when it comes to education. I think Donovan’s speech was spectacular in that respect. It was incredibly moving and incredibly inspiring. I don’t think my speech was...