Kicking off the 2020-21 school year, Mount Vernon is excited to announce the appointments of both Tarrik “Coach T” Mabon and Jim Tiffin to new roles within the School.
As a man of faith and service, and after leading Middle School chapel for several years, Coach T is excited to expand his reach school-wide as the Director of Spiritual Life for Mount Vernon.
He has been at the School since 2014, teaching history and humanities in Middle School, instructing PE, and serving as Head Basketball Coach where he is also a mentor and role model, among other roles/responsibilities.
Given the gift of delivery through compassion, Coach T’s chapel messages are inspiring, inclusive, and always filled with hope. He is well loved by parents, students, and faculty who are continuously inspired and energized by the way he models values of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
βOnce again, I am completely blown away at GODβs grace and mercy over my life. It is with great humility and honor that I assume the role of Director of Spiritual Life. Mount Vernon is truly a special place for myself, my wife Sherida and our two boys, T.J. and Shemar. In these unique and challenging times of growth, I am encouraged that GOD is going to permeate our community in a beautiful and loving way. Truly grateful to be at an institution that took a chance on me and believes in my passionβ – Coach T
At Mount Vernon, Maker, Design, and Engineering (MDE) serves as a catalyst and approach for students to design a better world. After being a constant in the MDE program and on the Lower Campus, the School is honored to announce Jim Tiffin as the Director of Maker, Design, and Engineering. In this role, he will integrate MDE experiences throughout all content areas, across the four divisions.
Additionally, Mr. Tiffin will teach Upper School MDE, co-facilitate studio design, and work on the Innovation Diploma team.
During his six years at Mount Vernon, you’ve probably seen him on campus with his signature pencil behind his ear, cargo pants, and tape measure – always ready when an opportunity, idea, or project arise!
Mr. Tiffin is an influencer both in and outside of the Mount Vernon community. At the School, some of his most creative, innovative, and impactful learning experiences include, but certainly aren’t limited to, the Cardboard Challenge, Game Night, Parent Universities, student-led faculty meetings, Bike Night, and numerous faculty Hot Team efforts. He redesigned the Lower School schedule, allowing more time for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary learning, and was a key contributor in redesigning the Lower School’s learning spaces, which ultimately influenced spaces in the Upper School building.
Outside the walls of Mount Vernon, Mr. Tiffin has served as a consultant for MVIFI and MV Ventures. He’s been a presenter and keynote speaker at various conferences, most recently the Pittsburgh FAB Institute, and he also has more than 2200 followers on Twitter where he provides ideas and inspiration for educators around the world.
In the spring, along with his fellow MDE colleagues from MV, Mr. Tiffin worked with Atlanta Face Shields, Atlanta Beats COVID, and MatterHackers to help create, produce, and distribute PPE equipment for front-line workers helping to fight COVID. This summer, he assisted in the preparation of both campuses for a safe return for students, faculty, and staff.
The entire Tiffin family are Mustangs through and through. His wife Rebecca teaches math in the Upper School, their oldest daughter, Skyler, graduated with the Class of 2020, and Trey (Class of 2021), Sydney (Class of 2024) and Siena (Class of 2027) are all current students.
Congratulations to both Coach T and Mr. Tiffin!
