Meet Dr. Tia Barnes
I explore how educator emotional competence, collaborative relationships, and culturally responsive practice impact school systems. My research includes studies on teacher-paraeducator collaboration, disability inclusion, and antiracist professional development. I also lead projects that support implementation of SEL initiatives in real-world school contexts.
Whether through research-practice partnerships, professional learning, or strategic consulting, I work with district leaders, funders, and collaborators who are ready to create emotionally healthy, equity-driven schools — from the inside out.
In addition to my academic expertise, I bring formal training in program management. This means I not only co-design inclusive strategies — I help education leaders execute and sustain them. From developing professional learning series to advising on systemic change, I bridge research and practice to help partners move from intention to impact.
Selected Honors
Joseph E. Zins Award for SEL Action Research, CASEL (2021)
Dean’s Research Award, University of Delaware (2022)
Research & Impact
I've secured over $500,000 in external grant funding to support your research and partnership work. A few highlights include:
Spencer Foundation – Affirming and Protecting Minoritized Students
National Science Foundation (NSF) – Cybersecurity Education Using Interactive Storytelling with Social Robots
Nemours Foundation – Optimizing Educator Engagement in Actions Against Racism
Center for Responsive Schools – Evaluation of the Fly Five SEL Curriculum
Foundation for Child Development – Promising Scholars Program for inclusive classroom interventions
