In this powerful episode of Schoolutions, I sit down with Dr. Towanda Harris of the Harris Innovation Consulting Group, an influential educator with over 20 years of experience who's impacted more than 10,000 educators nationwide. Dr. Harris shares her journey from third-grade teacher to university professor, offering invaluable insights about preparing the next generation of teachers. Learn why questioning the status quo should be celebrated, how to redefine success in education beyond traditional metrics, and why developing a teaching philosophy must start with personal reflection. Whether you're a new teacher, veteran educator, or educational leader, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on creating more responsive, student-centered classrooms.

Key Topics Discussed:

➡️Dr. Harris's journey from classroom teacher to university professor

➡️The importance of questioning and unlearning in education

➡️Redefining success beyond traditional metrics

➡️Developing meaningful teaching philosophies

➡️Creating inclusive classroom environments

Research & Resources Mentioned:

💫Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's work on mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors

💫Dr. Gholnescsar (Gholdy) Muhammad's work on transactional learning

💫Zaretta Hammond's Ready 4 Rigor Framework

💫Dr. Carla España and Dr. Luz Yadira Herrera's work on translanguaging

💫Aeriale N. Johnson

💫Arlène Elizabeth Casimir's Holding Space Protocol

💫The Georgia Literacy Act

Dr. Harris’s Recommended Resources:

📚A Love Letter to Teachers by Patrick Harris II

📚3 Ways to Take Charge of Your Personal Growth As an Educator by Dr. Towanda Harris

📚Meaningful Learning Experiences: Teaching the Student and not the Content CCRIA blog by Dr. Towanda Harris

📚Student Agency: Strategies to Build a Strengths-Based Classroom by Dr. Towanda Harris

📚The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices by Dr. Towanda Harris

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Episode Introduction
• [00:02:00] Dr. Harris's Educational Journey
• [00:09:00] Changes in Teacher Candidates
• [00:15:00] Redefining Success in Education
• [00:24:00] Developing Teaching Philosophies
• [00:34:00] Inclusive Teaching Practices
• [00:37:00] Closing Thoughts

#DrTowandaHarris #TheRightTools #EdChat #TeacherEducation 

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.