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Richard Garris, Ph.D.

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Assistant Professor, Education


Contact Information

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education, English, California University of Pennsylvania
  • Master of Science, Education and K-12 Principal Certification, California University of Pennsylvania
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Instructional Management and Leadership, Robert Morris University

Courses Taught

  • Special Education and Inclusive Practices
  • Human Behavior and Classroom Management
  • Instructional Methods
  • The Principalship
  • Clinical Supervision and Leadership
  • Mentorship for ABCTE Certification

Background

Richard Garris, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the School of Education's Department of Leadership and Administration. He brings years of experience in various roles within the education field in both public and private education. Prior to joining Point Park, Garris worked as an assistant professor of education at Hiram College, where he served in various roles within the college.

His research areas of interest include educational leadership, instructional and pedagogical strategies and the intersections between teaching and coaching. Garris' teaching philosophy is rooted in relationship-building with students. He is committed to preparing educators who are engaging and impactful for today's learners.

Curriculum Vitae

Certifications

  • School Principal K-12
  • English 7-12
  • Science 7-8
  • Social Studies 7-8
  • All subjects 4-6 (elementary/middle)

Selected Publications and Presentations

  • Teaching and Managing a Classroom in the Post-Pandemic World: Challenges, Strategies, and Unknowns Presenting at the Ohio Confederation of Teacher Education Organizations (OCTEO), Fall 2023 conference. Peer Reviewed.
  • "Ethics Teach-In: Finding Place in Education." Led an Ethics Teach-In session focused on the idea and importance of “place” in education, specifically related to inclusion, 2023.
  • "Ethics Teach-In: Unlearning: How We Can Reverse Learned Misinformation." Led an Ethics Teach-In session in partnership with Dr. Kelly NewVine, which revolved around the greater idea of Misinformation and focused on how we, as humans, may reverse learned misinformation, 2022.
  • "Re-envisioning Where and When the Learning Takes Place: Reflection on Adapting Modalities to Meet P-16 Student Needs, and Why We’re Never Going Back!" Presented at the Ohio Confederation of Teacher Education Organizations(OCTEO), Fall 2021 conference with Dr. Jen McCreight and Kathleen Maretka. Peer Reviewed.
  • Garris III, R. O. (2020). The Role of the Secondary School Principal: Examining the Evolution and Current Dynamics of the Role of Secondary Principals (Doctoral dissertation, Robert Morris University). 
  • Beck, J.J.; Garris, R.O., III. Managing Personal Finance Literacy in the United States: A Case Study. Educ. Sci. 2019, 9, 129.

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

  • National Council of Teachers of English
  • Student Assistance Program (SAP)
  • Ohio Department of Education Program Review Committee (2021-2023)
  • Ohio Confederation of Teacher Education Organizations (2021-2023)

Awards

  • Gerstacker-Gund Grant Award, 2021
  • George W. Semich Scholarship Award, 2018
  • PennDOT Traffic Safety Billboard Contest Winner, 2018