Faculty Feature - Dr. Tamara Lawson
Dr. Tamara Lawson
Assistant Professor, Disability and Psychoeducational Studies
Dr. Lawson is a School Psychologist and an Assistant Professor in Disability and Psychoeducational Studies. Her work centers on culturally responsive teaching and the educational experiences of Black youth. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University and went on to complete both her master’s in education and doctorate in School Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She further completed her pre-doctoral internship with the Illinois School Psychology Internship Consortium (ISPIC) in Edwardsville, Illinois, an APA-accredited and APPIC-approved program. Her doctoral dissertation examined Black adolescents’ perceptions of culturally responsive teaching practices and how these approaches shaped their sense of belonging in the classroom. Her research focuses on three interconnected areas: culturally responsive teaching—emphasizing teaching behaviors, instructional practices, and the cultivation of positive teacher-student relationships that affirm students’ identities and challenge anti-racist structures in schools; social, emotional, and behavioral supports for minoritized youth, particularly the role of school psychologists in implementing effective, school-wide frameworks; and Black youths’ sense of belonging, highlighting its critical role in both academic success and racial identity development.
"My community has always inspired me. They have always been an anchor point for me and a place of comfort. I feel inspired, joyful, and courageous when I think about them."
Who do you draw inspiration from and why?
My community has always inspired me. They have always been an anchor point for me and a place of comfort. I feel inspired, joyful, and courageous when I think about them. They are my "why," and I have learned so much from them, which has given me the know-how and motivation to support others.
What are one or two accomplishments of which you are most proud?
Earning my PhD is one accomplishment that I am most proud of. As a first-generation graduate student, I have encountered many firsts, and I am so proud of how far I have come. Throughout my early career, I have had many opportunities to support my community, provide resources to the Black families and youth I work with, and offer care and mentorship to my students.
"Earning my PhD is one accomplishment that I am most proud of. As a first-generation graduate student, I have encountered many firsts, and I am so proud of how far I have come."
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The advice I would give my younger self would be to take up space and get comfortable because you belong.
What is something you are working on currently that you’re excited about?
I am currently working on a study with my research lab and am excited to share this work and highlight narratives that are often underrepresented in the literature.
