Upon entering Dan Gill’s classroom at Glenfield Middle School in Montclair, New Jersey, you’re likely to notice a conspicuously empty seat at its center.
This seat, as explained by Dan Gill, is neither for disciplinary purposes nor for administrative observations. It stands as a poignant symbol, serving as a reminder both to Gill and his students.
Gill, speaking to TODAY Parents, shared that his teachings around Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, focusing on the Civil Rights movement, are deeply personal. He recounted a childhood incident when he, at nine years old, and his best friend Archie, attended a birthday party in Gill’s apartment building in New York City. Archie, who was Black, was refused entry by the host’s mother under the pretense of lacking chairs, a moment that starkly revealed racial bias to the young Gill. This painful experience has remained with Gill for over six decades.
Gill’s passion for inclusivity and opportunity has been a driving force in his career. With over 50 years in teaching, he played a pivotal role in integrating the Montclair public schools. He moved from New York to Montclair as a new teacher and was instrumental in transforming Glenfield Middle School into a magnet school for the arts, setting a precedent for desegregation in other schools.
Gill believes in the power of symbols for children, viewing the empty chair as a reminder for his students to strive for academic, social, and emotional betterment and to foster a welcoming environment.
The impact of this symbol is evident when students explain its significance to classroom visitors, a moment of pride for Gill. At 75, he plans to retire after the 2022-2023 school year, but his mission with the empty chair continues.
Gill proposed a book titled “No More Chairs” at a recent literary festival, dedicating it to Archie, who passed away the previous year. Despite losing touch with Archie years ago, Gill has reconnected with his family via social media. His hope is that his book will inspire other teachers to adopt the empty chair in their classrooms, encouraging students to embrace kindness and inclusive decision-making.
