Here at SAE Institute, we take immense pride in recognizing the dedication, passion, and excellence of our faculty members. As we reflect on the latter half of 2024, we are thrilled to celebrate our Faculty of the Quarter winners for Q3 and Q4. These outstanding educators, Jeff Breakey and Shafik Palis, have gone above and beyond to inspire our students and contribute to our campus communities. Please join us in congratulating these two remarkable individuals who exemplify the very best of SAE Institute’s commitment to academic excellence!
Jeff Breakey – 2024 Q3 Faculty of the Quarter Winner
What class(es) do you teach?
Studio Production, Signal Processing, and I’ve subbed many of the others along the way.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Seeing the moment when things click for students—when a concept that seemed abstract suddenly makes sense, and they can actually apply it. Also, helping them develop not just technical skills but a way of thinking that will serve them in the real world.
Favorite quote?
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison
Shafik Palis – 2024 Q4 Faculty of the Quarter Winner
What classes do you teach?
The program in Miami runs in Modules, from 1 to 4, covering audio principles, Pro Tools, sound design, recording, mixing, mastering, acoustics, the music business, audio for film and video games, and live sound. I have had the unique privilege and opportunity to teach all four modules (all these topics, and in some cases consecutively) in both English and Spanish. It has been an incredible experience because, without having planned it, it has given me an understanding of the entire program and how each module and topic are interconnected.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
What I enjoy most about teaching is that it is a service—a service that stems from the love I feel for each student. I believe that life and my career have given me a wealth of knowledge and experiences that I truly enjoy sharing, and I feel the responsibility to do so in the best way possible because, to whom much is given, much is expected. They say that those who give much receive much. However, I do not give or serve in order to receive; I give because I want to give, because I have so much to share. In the end, my greatest joy is seeing my students happy, motivated, eager to improve, and achieving great things in music and the audio industry. The fact that my students open their hearts, minds, and lives to me, allowing me to be part of this process in their careers, is invaluable to me.
Favorite quote?
It is not about doing what we like, but about loving what we do—that is what turns life into a blessing.
