Jean Schutt-McTavish passed away on Wednesday, November 19th of liver failure due to metastatic breast cancer. She was 63 years old. She is survived by her children Ian and Madeline, her sister Susan and her beloved dog Winston.

Jean graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1980, New College 1984, and Columbia University’s Teachers College 1996, with a Masters in Education, Special Education, and Anthropology, as well as an A.B.D. in Education Administration.

In her professional life, Jean worked in the New York City Public Schools for 31 years where she served in a variety of roles, from teacher to principal. She was deeply committed to young people and believed that they, like all people, deserved a second chance when they made mistakes. She believed that for her students doubly so. Jean genuinely cared for humanity and believed passionately in kindness and justice. At West Side High School, where she was principal for 16 years, she implemented Restorative Justice programs that were among the most successful and celebrated in the City. Jean was perhaps proudest of her ability to maintain and develop West Side High School as a refuge for students whom other City institutions had turned its back on. A place where students could not simply build their academic skills and knowledge, but develop all the richness of their whole selves. However, her crowning achievements came in the area of wellness. Through Jean’s leadership, West Side High School was awarded the bronze, silver, and three consecutive years of gold medals by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The culmination of this work was a visit to her school by First Lady Michele Obama.

Jean’s commitment to social justice, fairness, and wellness began early in her life. In high school she began going to protests, pro choice events, no nukes, anit-war, pro-labor, Occupy Wallstreet... Her activism was perhaps most significant during the 2011-15 where she spearheaded organizing the Opt Out movement in New Jersey with her sister Susan. Jean’s organizing efforts and advocacy shed light on how high takes testing and the education policies of the Bush and Obama administrations perverted the curriculum, narrowing it so students, ironically, were short changed in the educational experiences and content they were taught. Although her original cancer diagnosis curtailed her work, reliance on high stakes tests has significantly lessened in NJ and across the country.

Jean was the mom of a 23 year old trans daughter named Madeline. She has always been a lifelong social justice advocate, and had a fair number of queer kids during her time as an educator. She herself has been openly lesbian since the late 2010s. She understood the importance of living as your true self and how rewarding such endeavors could be. Acceptance was never up for debate for Jean, and she was Madeline's biggest cheerleader with unwavering pride and care.

In addition to her activism, Jean also loved nature. She loved to go on hikes, spend time by and on the water; and it is this love she shared with her son, Ian. Jean’s favorite place on earth was on Wellesley Island at the St. Lawrence River. It is this love that Ian shared deeply with his mother. As a NJ Water Ambassador, one of Ian’s first job’s, he spent a great deal of time with his mother across various water testing sites across Morris County NJ. This job also required Ian to do environmental education for K-12 audiences and do outreach to the larger community. Jean was deeply impressed by his ability to not simply develop lessons, but to deliver them in ways that kept kids engaged. Ian’s growth and development in teaching and stewarding the environment were a great source of pride for Jean.

Jean’s greatest joy was her children. Maddy and Ian are kind, gentle people with generous hearts and sharp minds. Jean took great pride in them both from their earliest accomplishments. Each child is different in their trials and tribulations, their triumphs and both made Jean glow with delight, joy, and love.

Upon her retirement in 2017, Jean continued teaching as a spin instructor and through the Executive Leadership Institute, where she mentored varying school administrators/principals.

Additionally, she acted as a valued member and advocate in many breast cancer support groups, where she was an optimistic voice advocating that we should live life to the fullest each and every day. Jean did that herself, spending one of her last weeks travelling with other women who had breast cancer in Curacao enjoying the warm weather, warm water, and natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea which she loved so much. She spent many wonderful moments with her family and friends, sharing her love of learning, her kindness, and joy. She is deeply loved and missed by all she touched. We are grateful to be among those privileged to share our lives with her.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/jean-schutt-mctavish/obituary/

Copy