Faculty Profile - Javier Rodriguez

Javier adds that this school year, he has also started teaching the Journalism class, which technically falls within the Humanities department. And he also enjoys travelling. "Two years ago, I led the Northwest School's trip to Costa Rica," he shares, "and last year, I led the trip to Spain. This year, I am part of the trip to Costa Rica again."

Not one to shy away from integrating into the campus community, Javier has been actively involved in the Athletics program since he came to Northwest. "I started as an Assistant Coach," he says, "but this year, I became the Upper School Cross Country Head Coach." He smiles before adding, "And in Spring 2026, I will also take on heading our US Track & Field program. It’s a great responsibility and it can get busy. But I do it gladly, and I do it for the students. I enjoy every bit of it immensely."

Expert Credentials and Avid Athlete

Javier's educational accomplishments are equally dizzying, and include a B.A. in Philosophy, two Master’s degrees (one in Philosophy and another in Literature), and two PhDs: the first in German Philosophy and the second in Spanish Literature. This journey has taken him to global locales as part of his education, including Spain, Germany, and the US.

As an educator, Javier has taught at multiple prestigious institutions, such as the University of Washington, New York University, and Bard College. When he chose to transition to high school, his first appointment was at the storied Nightingale-Bamford School, an independent New York-based all-female university-preparatory school founded in 1920. Javier later returned to Seattle where, "I first worked as a substitute teacher at the Bush School, prior to being fortunate to get a position at the Northwest School," he finishes.

Javier brings a similar enthusiasm and dedication to his passion for athletics. "I am a dedicated runner – I enjoy and draw a lot of pleasure from it, and have also competed seriously in some events," he says. He was a member of the famed New York Road Runners, an organization that serves 695,000+ runners of all ages and abilities through several races, including the annual New York City Marathon. "I competed in that league, and was even the NY Runner of the Year for a number of years," he shares, "and I was closely involved with the New York and New Jersey Track Club, which was at the time the only professional track club in the tri-state area. He pauses before adding, "This is something I enjoy cultivating with students – a love for running."

Why Northwest?

Javier is transparent and direct about why he enjoys working at Northwest: "Because this school offers an education that follows the liberal arts model," he immediately says, "and that, for me, is the key. This pedagogical approach dates back to the 19^th century, with the goal to emancipate citizens from certain forms of political subjugation." Connecting this characteristic to how he approaches teaching Journalism, he adds, "The aspiration to educating fully capable and active citizens is a worthy goal to keep pursuing, and it is perhaps more relevant today than ever before. These are the hallmarks of an education that emphasizes the Humanities (language and history) and the Arts, while also engaging technical fields and STEM." Northwest's interdisciplinary curriculum, that combines academic rigor with cultivating a curious and informed mindset, thus deeply resonates with his personal beliefs about the value of a liberal arts education.

Hands-on Learning that Builds Confidence

As an instructor and coach, Javier's pedagogy emphasizes practical skill building that meets students where they are at, and then pushes them to grow. "With Language, I try to strike a balance around the centrality of the student, as well as students taking responsibility for their learning," he states. "I encourage my students to use the language as much as possible, and in various contexts, so that they can grasp the essential need to communicate while still making space for its technical aspects."

This approach extends to his Journalism classroom, where "we practice journalism, while also developing an appreciation for its history and practice," he observes. "It has to ultimately be their product that carries their signature – my role is to guide and assist them as much as I can."

As a coach, he designs workouts that are tailored to each student's fitness level, capability, and athletic talents. More than anything, he strives to cultivate a team spirit, "even in a seemingly individualistic sport like running, so that they learn to share the experience, the journey and the struggle." And it pays off. "This past season," he shares, "I was so proud of how nicely the team came together. It was often cold, windy, and rainy, and yet all the team members showed up to cheer each other on."

Ultimately, Javier derives purpose and satisfaction from watching his students gain confidence, grow, and excel. "I try to create the conditions to help them become who they can be," he concludes, "and it is wonderful to see them challenge themselves and achieve their goals."