Johari Harris

Johari Harris, Ph.D, is Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology Secondary and Middle Grades Department at Kennesaw State University and Director of Educating for Democracy.

Her research, grounded in intersectionality, developmental psychology, and social psychology theories examines what socially-mediated factors such as race, gender, and cultural value systems can engender key social emotional competencies (e.g. civic engagement, positive interpersonal relationships) in children and adolescents. She also examines the roles of schools in this process, specifically how teacher practice and curriculum resources can support or hinder students development of social and emotional learning (SEL) competences. She has conducted qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies with African American and South African middle school and high school students exploring these research questions. Before entering graduate school, she taught in K-8 schools domestically and abroad and has extensive experience in developing and implementing culturally responsive SEL curricula.