Throughout her career, Dr. Taneeka Harper has valued the importance of being a critical thinker and problem solver. She wants her students to “always know the power of your voice.” And one of her passions in education is, “giving students the tools to have their voices heard.”
Some influential Black leaders that have inspired Dr. Harper and her leadership include Nikki Giovanni and Paul Laurence Dunbar for their influential voices, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett for her powerful determination in sharing information. Dr. Harper finds herself gravitating towards people who share stories and are also able to push past emotion, when needed, in order to be heard. Dr. Harper said,
“Black History is a part of everything that we do.”
And that integration is just one thing we all can celebrate during Black History Month.
Dr. Harper started her teaching career in Philadelphia before moving to North Penn School District, and eventually Norristown Area School District. Dr. Harper first taught at Hancock Elementary, and then at Eisenhower Science and Technology Leadership Academy before becoming the Assistant Principal at East Norriton Middle School. Outside of work, Dr. Harper enjoys spending time with family, especially her niece, and her “fur kid,” Spartacus.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Harper moved to Pennsylvania to attend school, and has stayed here since. Dr. Harper earned her undergraduate degree from Eastern University, her masters degrees from Gwynedd Mercy University and Cabrini University, and her doctoral degree from Immaculata University. Dr. Harper shared, “I have always loved learning.” Her grandmother used to tell her,
“Knowledge is power; there are so many things people can take away from you, but your education is not one of them.”
Dr. Harper loves music. She grew up learning to enjoy movement and rhythm. During Black History Month, she tries to take extra effort to discover new artists and genres that have African influence. Even outside of the month of February, she enjoys going to shows and festivals to celebrate and learn more about different cultures.
Dr. Harper hopes that all students realize that they have the ability to lead, whether that be leading others or leading themselves to success. With that, she wants students to not be afraid to embrace and explore differences.
“There is so much diversity in our own building, linguistically, racially, and religiously. And teaching Black History helps students appreciate differences, and similarities.”