ILP 21: Dr. Andrew Harris On Traditional Education Vs. Non-Traditional, Challenge With Public Schools, Why He Chose To Lead NEAAAT And Where The Future Of Education Is Heading - ScottNeal.me

Dr. Andrew R. Harris

Chief Executive Officer

NEAAAT’s founding leader, Dr. Andrew R. Harris, currently serves as the school’s Chief Executive Officer and oversees all aspects of its operation. A native of Perquimans County in Northeastern North Carolina, Dr. Harris began his educational career as a science teacher and coach with Edenton-Chowan Public Schools, and he has since worked in four Albemarle area public school districts as a teacher, coach, instructional specialist, principal, and Director of Instructional Technology. In these roles, he has served in a leadership capacity for 5 different school and district 1:1 technology initiatives, as well as several renovation and new construction projects.

Just prior to stepping into the leadership position at NEAAAT, he facilitated the development of innovative STEM school, program, and training models across North Carolina in his role as a Design Coach with the former NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning. Dr. Harris has been a part of several recent projects that have received wide acclaim, including National Public Radio features, an award-winning documentary, White House press release, and various publications from organizations that have consistently demonstrated a commitment to educational innovation.

Dr. Harris holds a BS in Biology (East Carolina University), MS in Biology (Elizabeth City State University), and EdD in Educational Leadership (East Carolina University). His doctoral research centered on improving educational equity, with an emphasis on school choice in rural communities. Dr. Harris maintains current certifications in the areas of Comprehensive Science (9-12), School Administrator: Superintendent, School Administrator: Principal, Exceptional Children: General Curriculum (K-12), EC Science, EC Math (K-6), EC English, EC Social Studies.

Dr. Harris currently resides in Chowan County with his wife, Kim, and his two daughters, Kinley and Adelyn, and he is a member of UpRiver Friends Meeting in Belvidere, NC.