Dr. Stephanie Morgan-Harris approaches her role as Staff Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator for Kankakee School District #111 with equal parts strategic vision and dry humor—because education, after all, could use a little more of both. Tasked with addressing the ever-growing challenge of recruiting and retaining quality educators amid widespread teacher shortages, Dr. Morgan-Harris thrives in the high-pressure environment of human capital management. Her approach is pragmatic and driven, balancing the urgent need for staffing solutions with a deeper commitment to creating equitable and inclusive workplaces. Or, as she often quips, she’s just trying to make sure there are enough teachers to keep the classrooms running.

Dr. Morgan-Harris’s career trajectory is a testament to her passion for leadership and equity. Armed with a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, she has built a reputation for bridging theory and practice in meaningful ways. Currently a Research Fellow at the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research, she actively contributes to advancing conversations on equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. Her efforts extend beyond research; she’s a proud advocate for environments where students and educators feel valued and empowered to succeed. These principles underpin her leadership philosophy and drive her contributions to the Kankakee School District.

Her professional influence doesn’t stop there. Dr. Morgan-Harris serves as Regional Director-Elect for the Illinois Principal Association’s Three Rivers Region and as Legislative Liaison for the Illinois Alliance of Black School Educators, roles that position her as a key advocate for transformative educational policies. She has also been a voice for inclusive leadership as a presenter at prestigious conferences like the Columbia University Hip Hop Ed Conference, where she explored the cultural relevance of hip-hop in student engagement, and the ASCD Annual Conference, where she discussed AI-driven differentiated instruction. These presentations highlight her innovative approach to education and her knack for addressing modern challenges with creative solutions.

While her professional accomplishments are many, Dr. Morgan-Harris is equally proud of her personal life. She’s the mother of four—two adult sons and two teen daughters—who keep her grounded and inspired. Whether leading family sing-alongs to Disney classics or strategizing for systemic change in education, she approaches every facet of her life with unwavering passion and humor. In a field often fraught with challenges, Dr. Morgan-Harris exemplifies the resilience, empathy, and forward-thinking leadership necessary to make a lasting impact on schools, educators, and the students they serve.