Phil Harriman – Friend of Sparks High School

Phillip Earl Harriman, born in Elko, Nevada, was raised by his single mom Florence with joy and song and humor, which is the first cornerstone of his teaching philosophy.   

Another cornerstone came from his three significantly older siblings, all English majors. While two Harrimans went into education, the third gifted young Phil two books on the plays of Shakespeare and stories of Greek mythology. Phil Harriman fell into the family business, and his siblings continue to spur his love for language.   

While attending UNR, Phil was assigned to one of the great English teachers in the Reno area: Sparks High Hall of Famer Neil Fockler. Neil and the members of the Northern Nevada Writing Project shared a multitude of writing inspirations, allowing Phil to find his way as an English teacher. Among many lessons, Neil told Phil, “I don’t teach English; I teach students.”  This became the third guiding principal in Phil's career. 

Phil likes to believe that connection is the key to his 38+ years in the classroom. Phil will break out in song or spit some serious bars. He keeps it real, while bringing alive literature and urging students to connect with the text in writings of their own. His fourth cornerstone, clear-headedness, was a gift from his years in sobriety. Phil writes, “The moment I learned to look students in the eye and get them on my side, that was the moment I was making a real difference. I feel so blessed for this life.” 

Inducted 2024