Jasmine B. Harris, Ed.D.

Head of School, Saint Philip’s Episcopal School

Jasmine B. Harris, Ed.D., attended the University of Texas at Austin for a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then Texas Women’s College for a master’s in educational leadership. After teaching for several years, she earned a doctorate in educational administration at Baylor University. Prior to becoming the head of school of Saint Philip’s, she held positions as teacher, administrator and assistant principal at five other public and private schools in Texas. Her first experience in private school was at The Hockaday School, an all-girls day and boarding school in Dallas.

Latest Achievement

Dr. Harris started her role as head of the school of Saint Philip’s Episcopal School on July 1, 2019. A Dallas native, this is her first time living outside of Texas. Running a school is no small feat during normal times, let alone in a pandemic. Saint Philip’s is giving the students the option to do in-person or virtual learning, although the vast majority of students opted for in-person. “I’m taking every day that we’re open and on campus as a blessing because children need to be in school,” she says. “This is where they learn, this is where they make friends.”

What She Says

“People do this job because they love children, or they love learning or a combination of the two,” says Dr. Harris. “Even though it’s very hard, we do [this work] to be impactful in the lives of children.” She didn’t always want to be an educator, however. Thanks to the TV series “Perry Mason,” Dr. Harris grew up dreaming of being an attorney. Then as an undergrad, she worked at an after-school program for children and had an epiphany that changed her plans. “I loved school and I wanted kids to love school,” she says.