George Theoharis

George Theoharis is a Professor of Educational Leadership and Inclusive Elementary/Early Childhood Education in the Teaching and Leadership Department at Syracuse University. With extensive prior experience as a principal and teacher, he has held significant administrative roles including Department Chair, Associate Dean for Urban Education Partnerships, and Director of Field Relations. He coordinates the Inclusive Early Childhood and Special Education undergraduate program, the Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership focused on Leading Equitable Schools, and the Education Studies minor, while co-running the Baldanza Fellows program and maintaining active partnerships with schools across Central New York.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Theoharis's research centers on equity, social justice, diversity, inclusion, urban education, and school reform, with a focus on bridging K-12 schools and higher education through leadership practices. His work emphasizes creating inclusive educational environments, exemplified by his award-winning book "Five Practice for Equity- Focused Leadership" which received national recognition as the Best Book for Educators in 2023.

His distinguished honors include:

• Best Book for Educators by the American Consortium for Equity in Education (ACE-ED), 2023 for Five Practice for Equity- Focused Leadership
• Syracuse University Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Award, 2018
• Syracuse City School District Outstanding Service to Students, 2014
• AERA Division A Emerging Scholar Award, 2009
• Emerald Literati Network Outstanding Paper Award, 2007
• AERA Division A Best Doctoral Dissertation, 2005

As an educator, Dr. Theoharis mentors students through program coordination and teaches foundational courses including Leadership for Inclusive Schooling, Equity and Inequality in Schools, and Elementary Social Studies Methods. His instructional approach integrates research on equitable practices with practical classroom applications.

Through the Baldanza Fellows program and Central New York school partnerships, he cultivates leadership development initiatives focused on equity-centered educational transformation, connecting academic scholarship with community engagement.