Dr. Leslie Howder joined Berkeley County School District in 2001 as a science teacher at Sedgefield Middle. It was while teaching at Sedgefield Middle that she realized she eventually wanted to become a middle school principal.
“When I was teaching, I realized that I could make a larger positive impact as an administrator”, she said. “I really felt that being a school administrator would allow me to not only help the students but also have an impact on the community.”
Approximately 23 years later, Dr. Howder will enter a middle school in the county where she grew up, as the principal. To say she is excited would be an understatement.
“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the county that shaped me,” she said.
Known throughout BCSD for her instructional knowledge, Howder’s resume boasts leadership experience as an assistant principal at Sangaree Middle, Daniel Island School, Berkeley Middle and College Park Middle. She also spent time at Stratford High as an accountability and graduation specialist. Those experiences and her dedication to providing positive outcomes led to her being called to present as an expert at state and national levels on topics like the use of data to improve academic achievement.
“I had great mentors at Stratford and elsewhere within the district that helped me hone the skills needed. I learned the true power of data collection and assessment analysis. I saw the power of data and how, if used correctly, it can positively impact a student.”
The focus on student success is something that she says the community can expect from her immediately as she assumes her new role. She said community insight and involvement will also be key.
“I am going in and looking, listening and learning from the people there. Part of my job is to continue to support what the school and community have to offer,” she said.
Dr. Howder attended the College of Charleston for her Bachelor's Degree in Education and earned her Masters in Education and her Specialist in Education from The Citadel. She completed her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The University of South Carolina in 2013.
“We are excited to see Dr. Howder make a positive difference at St. Stephen Middle,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon. “She is a school leader known for prioritizing student success and has answered the call to leadership many times across her career. She is bringing a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience to St. Stephen Middle, and I have no doubt that her work will be valuable and impactful.”