Primary Source

Meet Elizabeth Howald, Program Director at Primary Source

Here are four things you may not know about Liz:

1. She grew up in a rural farming community in southern Missouri. Although she loved the small-town feel of her hometown, it didn't offer many opportunities for learning about or interacting with people of different cultures. This inspired her to pursue a career in education, first as a writer and editor at Houghton Mifflin, then as a high school social studies teacher, and finally as a program director at Primary Source. Her career goal is to help American students better understand our complex world and the diverse people in it.
   
   
2. She received a master's degree in Islamic Studies and Education from Boston University, for which she wrote a thesis called "Cultural Awareness and Education for Respect: Transforming the Way Children Learn about the Middle East and Islam." Her thesis included a historical examination of "Western" perceptions of the Middle East, new research on how students in American classrooms learn and think about the Middle East and Islam, and practical recommendations for transforming the way children learn about other cultures.

 

3. Her most memorable moment at Primary Source was leading an educator study tour to India in July 2011. Along with twenty-six amazing teachers and administrators, Liz explored Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra to learn firsthand about Indian history and culture. "The trip was a truly transformative experience that left me with an increased appreciation for the importance of Primary Source's mission and an even greater admiration for the educators with whom we work," says Liz.

 

4. She has trouble sticking to one hobby for very long, but she has tried her hand at rock-climbing, ballet, piano, Crossfit, and a handful of other pastimes. She plans to spend a week in the British Virgin Islands this March learning to sail and earning her US Sailing Certification for Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, and Bareboat Cruising.