Department: Employer Advisory Board
Dawn Harris
Dr. Dawn R. Harris serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Gilmer ISD, where she leads district efforts in human resources, educator development, and school culture. With more than 30 years of experience in public education, including 24 years proudly serving the Gilmer community, Dr. Harris has dedicated her career to supporting teachers, strengthening school leadership, and creating environments where educators and students thrive.
Beyond her district role, Dr. Harris is a passionate advocate for educators across Texas. She regularly shares her experience and practical insights with other school districts, Texas Education Service Centers, and state professional organizations, focusing on leadership, teacher support, and meaningful professional learning. Her presentations are known for blending research-based practices with real-world application, inspiring educators to lead with both purpose and compassion.
As the architect of Gilmer ISD’s Invest Teacher Support Program, Dr. Harris designed a comprehensive model for teacher growth and retention that has gained recognition across Texas for its measurable impact on educator success and school culture. Her work has been featured in Texas School Business Magazine and Texas ATPE News for its forward-thinking approach to teacher development and leadership alignment.
Dr. Harris earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University–Commerce, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She also serves on the Texas A&M University–Texarkana Educator Preparation Program Advisory Council and the Region 7 ESC IMPACT ETX Advisory Board, where she continues to promote strong teacher preparation and purposeful leadership across East Texas.