As a career educator and lifelong learner, Rachael Harshman is committed to creating collaborative environments where teachers, staff, and administrators are valued and equipped with best practices and current research. She has served as an elementary and secondary teacher, an instructional coach, and a central-office administrator. Her experiences have helped her better understand the challenges that need to be addressed when implementing positive changes.

When Rachael served as a director of Student Services at Southwest Allen County Schools in Fort Wayne, Indiana, her school district was one of two to earn a $250,000 federal grant to reduce school violence. She used the funds to develop evidence-based programming which took a proactive approach to addressing the social-emotional and mental health needs of students.

Rachael is happy to lend her extensive experience with social-emotional supports under the educational neuroscience framework to progressing The Center for Model Schools' mission. She is always looking to find time to travel with her family, and she loves taking and appreciating good photography.