Tara Harris

Tara Harris is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she teaches courses in social work practice, child welfare, trauma-informed care, and educational equity. She holds master’s degrees in Social Work and Counseling and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, expected in June 2025.

Educational Background:

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Expected June 2025)
• MSW, The University of Texas at Arlington, 2018
• MS in Counseling, University of Phoenix, 2012
• BA in Human Services, California State University, Dominguez, 2009

Research Interests: Tara Harris's research is centered on improving educational outcomes for foster youth. She investigates academic resilience, systemic barriers in education, trauma impacts on learning, and policy gaps in child welfare and education systems. Her work emphasizes educational equity, mental health advocacy, and social justice, informed by both her professional experience and lived experience as a former foster youth.

Teaching Focus: She teaches a range of courses including SW Practice I, Life Span Development, and Advanced and Foundation Field courses. Her pedagogy integrates real-world experience with evidence-based strategies, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical practice, and advocacy.

Professional Experience:

• Academic Advisor (Contractor), UTA School of Social Work (Jan 2024 – Present)
• Social Worker/Case Manager, Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (Oct 2023 – Present)
• Adjunct Professor, UTA School of Social Work (Aug 2023 – Present)
• Supervisor I, Department of Protective and Family Services (Aug 2021 – Dec 2022)
• Conservatorship Specialist IV, Department of Family and Protective Services (2013 – 2021)

Licensures:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• License Chemical & Dependency Counselor Intern (LCDC-I)

Professional Affiliation:

• Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated (Apr 2023 – Present)

Advising and Grants: While no formal students or grants are listed, Tara Harris serves as an Academic Advisor at UTA, supporting social work students in field education. Her doctoral research likely involves institutional engagement and may be supported through academic or fellowship funding, though specific grants are not mentioned.

Labs and Teams: While no formal lab or research team is mentioned, Tara Harris collaborates across academic and child welfare systems, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts in educational advocacy and social work practice. Her work aligns with initiatives focused on foster youth support, trauma-informed schools, and policy reform.