Zaire Howze-Jetter had previously told people he’d study veterinary sciences upon his graduation this spring from Pittsburgh’s Obama Academy.
“That was just something I told people, because I didn’t really know,” said Howze-Jetter, 17.
But as he progressed at the East Liberty magnet school, excelling in academics, he began to feel another calling: teaching.
Howze-Jetter plans to attend Temple University this fall and study general science and technology education.
It may be a perfect fit.
Howze-Jetter has a packed resume to support those plans: He is a member of the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and the African American Center of Advanced Studies executive committee.
Through 412 Food Rescue, Howze-Jetter and his mother, Mercedes Williams, have delivered more than 500 meals to people in need. Also during his high school career, he helped to install a Cam Hayward “Craig’s Closet” at Obama, which provides boys with professional dress clothes.
Howze-Jetter also has participated in Classrooms Without Borders’ Walk Down Freedom’s Road seminar and completed a study abroad program in Spain and France. This winter, he was recognized as an honoree of Junior Achievement’s 18 Under Eighteen.
“It’s important for me to advocate because I have a little sister,” Howze-Jetter said, referring to his 9-year-old sister Marlena Williams. “I want this place to be more prepared for when she comes in. She’s my world.”
Howze-Jetter said that, when he was in ninth grade, his classes were not challenging or motivating to him. He remembers telling school administrators he needed to be pushed harder academically.
Howze-Jetter said that, through the years, his advocacy has encouraged more Black students to take higher-level courses at Obama, an International Baccalaureate school formally named the Barack Obama Academy of International Studies. The student enrollment at Obama is 76% Black.
“It was making the place a little more comfortable for my peers,” Howze-Jetter said.
Howze-Jetter said he looks up to Superintendent Wayne Walters, who was the principal at Obama for nearly 10 years, and former Pittsburgh mayor Ed Gainey.
“It’s having those people to show me what a positive Black role model is in my life,” Howze-Jetter said. “Having those people really shaped me, especially when I started ninth grade.”
“For Black people in general, the percentage of dads being in our life isn’t that high,” Howze-Jetter said. “Having those people in my life that have stepped up and showed me what it’s like to be a Black man. It’s really pushing me.”
Through his student leadership roles, Howze-Jetter said he takes the time to talk with students and understand their thoughts before relaying them to school administrators.
“It’s not just advocating for students, but it’s that they have the mindset that they can do better,” he said.
Walters praised Howze-Jetter’s advocacy.
“Zaire represents the very best of Pittsburgh Public Schools: brilliant, bold and unapologetically proud of who he is and who he is becoming,” Walters said. “Through his leadership on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and AACAS, he has not only used his voice, he has strengthened the voices of others. He leads with intellect, humility and purpose.”
Howze-Jetter’s long-term plan is to become a teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, particularly at the elementary level.
“I feel like we need more Black influence there,” he said. “That influence at a younger age can really help someone to be better.”