Deshaun D. Harris
Houston
Summary
Transformational leader with over 10 years of experience in driving instructional improvement and campus turnaround. Expertise in elevating school performance through strategic planning, talent development, and data-driven accountability. Background includes leadership roles across district, nonprofit, and higher education sectors; actively pursuing Superintendent certification.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Houston Independent School Distict
Houston
05.2023 - Current
- Sustained high academic performance, with the campus earning five (5) TEA Accountability Distinctions during the 2025–2026 school year, reflecting excellence in student achievement and growth.
- Led a comprehensive campus turnaround, improving the TEA Accountability Rating from D to A through aligned instructional systems, targeted interventions, and performance monitoring.
- Directed campuswide data‑driven instructional cycles, using formative assessments and progress monitoring to accelerate student achievement across grade levels.
- Established a high‑performance, equity‑centered school culture by aligning professional learning, instructional coaching, and leadership structures to district priorities.
- Built leadership capacity among staff through shared decision‑making, talent development, and accountability systems, strengthening instructional effectiveness and teacher retention.
- Strengthened family and community partnerships to improve communication, trust, and engagement in support of student success.
Dean of Instruction /Middle School Assistant Principal
Houston Independent School Distict
Houston
07.2021 - 08.2023
- Co‑led campus instructional strategy resulting in a TEA accountability improvement from D to B, driven by targeted academic interventions and progress monitoring.
- Directed instructional coaching, PLC structures, and data analysis processes to strengthen curriculum alignment and instructional rigor across grade levels.
- Guided implementation of campus-wide initiatives aligned to district goals, improving teacher effectiveness, instructional coherence, and student outcomes.
- Supported evaluation, development, and retention of instructional staff through aligned feedback cycles and professional learning.
Project Manager
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
06.2021 - 05.2023
- Led program operations enhancing teacher development and retention across partner institutions serving historically underserved communities.
- Designed and facilitated high‑impact professional learning experiences focused on instructional quality, leadership development, and equity.
- Collaborated with HBCU partners, school systems, and organizational leaders to strengthen teacher pipelines and drive improved educational outcomes.
- Used program data to assess impact, refine strategy, and ensure alignment with organizational and equity goals.
Assistant Principal
Houston Independent School Distict
Houston
07.2019 - 08.2021
- Streamlined campus operations, discipline systems, and teacher appraisal processes (K–5) to uphold instructional quality and ensure compliance.
- Facilitated data-driven instructional improvement efforts, coordinating PLCs, formative assessments, and LPAC activities to enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Cultivated school culture and improved external communication through strategic messaging and targeted stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Math Instructional Specialist
Houston Independent School Distict
Houston
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Analyzed student performance data to pinpoint specific learning gaps, informing targeted instructional adjustments.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement instructional strategies that address diverse learning needs.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for educators, enhancing their skills in effective math instruction techniques.
Education
Doctor of Education - Education Leadership
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Houston, TX05-2026
Principal Certification -
Lamar University
Beaumont, TXMasters in Instructional Leadership -
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TXBachelor of Science - Mathematics Education
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TXSkills
- Campus turnaround leadership
- Data-driven decision making
- Talent development coaching
- Strategic planning
- School culture engagement
- Professional development
- Graphic Design
- Fine Arts (Instrumentation)
Certification
- Principal - TX (K-12)
- Mathematics - TX
- Superintendent - TX (In-Progress)
Timeline
Principal
Houston Independent School Distict
05.2023 - Current
Dean of Instruction /Middle School Assistant Principal
Houston Independent School Distict
07.2021 - 08.2023
Project Manager
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
06.2021 - 05.2023
Assistant Principal
Houston Independent School Distict
07.2019 - 08.2021
Math Instructional Specialist
Houston Independent School Distict
07.2018 - 07.2019
Doctor of Education - Education Leadership
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Principal Certification -
Lamar University
Masters in Instructional Leadership -
Sam Houston State University
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics Education
Prairie View A&M University