Lisa Harris

When it comes to connecting with students, Lisa Harris has a way of making it seem effortless. Maybe it’s her 30-plus years in education, or perhaps it’s simply who she is—a teacher whose compassion and dedication have made her one of the most beloved figures in the Meridian School District. Talk to any student, and Lisa’s name comes up again and again, almost like a password to better days and brighter futures.

After spending three decades across the river, in Charleston, Missouri, teaching everything from elementary school math to high school counseling, Lisa thought retirement would bring a slower pace. “I retired in June 2018,” Lisa recalls, “but by August, Charleston called me back to teach math because they couldn’t find anyone else.” She laughs, but it’s easy to see why any school would want her back. Lisa’s passion for education is infectious, and it wasn’t long before she found her way to Meridian. “Someone I knew told me Meridian needed a math teacher,” she says. “So I called, and before I knew it, I was hired for the 2019- 2020 school year.”

That was six years ago, and now Lisa teaches a range of math classes at Meridian, from an 8th-grade response-to-intervention course to Algebra 1 for freshmen, to a senior-level math class aimed at helping students pass the Accuplacer test for college. But it’s not just the curriculum that defines her teaching. It’s her belief in each student’s potential that truly sets her apart.

“I remember when I first started at Meridian, I asked my students where they were from,” Lisa says. “And so many of them said, ‘I’m just from Meridian,’ or ‘I’m just from Mounds.’ That ‘just’ part broke my heart.” But Lisa wasn’t about to let her students feel lesser just because of where they came from. “I told them, ‘You’re not just from Meridian. You’re from MERIDIAN! Be proud of it.’” And she’s seen a change in her time there—a shift toward students taking pride in their school and their community. “We’re working toward getting our students to be proud of where they’re from and realizing the quality of the education they’re getting,” she says.

Lisa’s impact isn’t limited to the classroom. She’s helped shape the school’s math curriculum in significant ways. “When I first got here, the math offerings were pretty basic,” she admits. But under her guidance, and with the support of the administration, Meridian has expanded its math courses to include business math, technical math for college credit, and other real-world applications of math. “We’re showing students how they’ll actually use math in life and careers,” Lisa says, and she couldn’t be prouder of the growth she’s seen.

Her work isn’t just about preparing students for tests or college applications, though. Lisa is known for building strong relationships with her students, often becoming a mentor and a confidante. “These kids aren’t just students,” she says. “They’re my kids, too.” That sense of ownership and care is what makes Lisa such a cherished teacher. “I want to be there for them, not just for math or education, but emotionally, too,” she adds.

And Lisa is quick to point out that she’s not doing it alone. “We’re not just a team here,” she says with a smile. “We’re a family.” The support that Lisa and her colleagues give one another is what allows them to show up for their students every day. “We text each other all night, all weekend,” she says. “We don’t just leave school and forget about everything. We take our school family with us.”

For Lisa, it’s clear that education is about more than just teaching subjects—it’s about being present for the whole person. She’s seen students graduate, move on to college, and still reach out for advice and support. “It doesn’t end when they graduate,” she says. “I have students who still message me for help or just to check-in. It’s a lifetime commitment.”

As she reflects on her time at Meridian, Lisa is especially proud of the school’s progress under the leadership of Superintendent Jon Green. “We’ve added so many programs—CNA, welding, auto mechanics—and we’re just getting started,” Lisa says. “A school district is only as strong as its leader, and we have an amazing one.” It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit at Meridian that everyone, from the superintendent to the teachers, is committed to providing students with as many opportunities as possible.

So, what is it that keeps Lisa Harris going, year after year? It’s simple: she loves her students, and she loves watching them succeed. Whether she’s helping a senior pass the Accuplacer or showing a freshman the fundamentals of algebra, Lisa is all in, every day. “I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be,” she says with a quiet certainty. And it’s that sense of purpose, combined with her relentless care for her students, that has made her such a vital part of the Meridian School District.

Lisa Harris isn’t just a teacher—she’s a builder of futures, a mentor, and a source of strength for students who need someone in their corner. And for the Meridian community, there’s plenty to be proud of. With teachers like Lisa Harris leading the way, the future looks brighter for every student who walks through those doors.