Rachelle Harris, Ph.D.
Rachelle Harris, Ph.D., is an accomplished educator, consultant, and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to teaching, research, and lifelong learning. As the owner of Harris R Consulting LLC and founder of Ole Ugly Mug Online Books & Things, she leads work in consulting, editing, instructional design, self-publishing, and online book sales. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Dr. Harris serves as an online instructor, teaching English Composition and World Literature to non-traditional students with a focus on accessibility, engagement, and real-world application.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Harris has built a career rooted in student-centered teaching and mentorship. She is known for blending traditional literary canon with culturally relevant texts to create meaningful learning experiences that resonate with diverse student populations. Her approach goes beyond the classroom, as she prioritizes one-on-one connection, offering guidance and support to help students navigate both academic and personal challenges. Her impact is exemplified by the lives she has touched, including moments where her mentorship has made a profound difference in students’ well-being and direction.
Dr. Harris’s academic journey reflects her dedication to continuous growth and excellence. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University and holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, along with graduate degrees in English literature, secondary education, and instructional technology. A recognized leader in her field, she has received honors such as Teacher of the Year and remains passionate about empowering others through education. Her work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of knowledge and a lifelong commitment to uplifting students and communities.
• University of Phoenix- Master's
• Capella University- Ph.D.
• Southern New Hampshire University- M.A.
• La Salle University- M.S.
• Tuskegee University- B.A.
• Teacher of the Year - Hamtramck Community Council
• Sigma Tau Delta-International English Honor Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to building genuine, meaningful relationships with my students and leading with a student-centered approach. I strive to be accessible, compassionate, and responsive, creating a safe space where students feel supported both academically and personally. One defining moment in my career was when a former student later shared that a late-night conversation with me had saved his life—this reinforced that I am truly walking in my calling. Along with my focus on culturally responsive teaching, continuous learning, and mentorship, I credit my success to the impact I make one student at a time.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mother, who, despite having limited opportunities herself, always emphasized the importance of education and persistence. She taught me to be strong, assertive, and to claim the opportunities I’m qualified for, even when others doubt me because of my gender or background. Watching her fight for and succeed in roles others told her she couldn’t pursue showed me the power of determination and self-belief, lessons I carry into my own career every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would be honest with them and tell them that it is not for the faint of heart. I don't think that they get that when they're going through their education programs. We're not honest with our prospective teachers on what it is like to actually be in a public education classroom and the emotional toll that it has the possibility to have on you. We don't emphasize self-care. They will have those positive experiences, I'm not saying that they won't have them, but in order to get those, it's a gritty fight to those. It's a fight to want to stay in a public education classroom. That's why we have teachers burn out within 5 years. Throughout the years when I've been in my mode of getting up, teaching, doing all of your paperwork, doing all of your lesson plans, doing all of this professional development, 20 years later, I didn't realize what it took for me to actually stay in the classroom because I was just doing it. I would also encourage them to not only do their student teaching, but to visit different campuses and actually go into different classrooms to get an honest assessment of what they're getting into. A lot of teachers are like, oh my goodness, I had no idea, I can't do this. That's why I made it a point to serve, even not in an official capacity, as a mentor to teachers when they would come onto our campuses, and be there for them and let them know if you need anything, just let me know, because I knew that it was not going to be smooth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are student retention, resistance from some educators to adopt student-centered approaches, and high levels of teacher burnout. Opportunities lie in developing mentorship programs, preparing prospective teachers more effectively, and integrating culturally relevant curricula to better engage students.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. I strive to center my teaching on genuine care for students, fostering relationships that go beyond academics and supporting them through challenges. I also deeply value lifelong learning, inspired by my mother’s dedication to education despite obstacles, and I carry that commitment to growth and empowerment into everything I do. Ultimately, honesty, empathy, and resilience guide how I engage with others and approach my work.