Howard E. Fields III

Givens Elementary School/Steger 6th Grade Center
Webster Groves School District
Rock Hill, Missouri
howard.fields@kirkwoodschools.org

Dr. Howard Fields III has served St. Louis area schools since 2008 and has quickly earned a reputation as a courageous leader and a steadfast champion for social equity and diversity. In 2014, Fields entered his first year as principal in the midst of mass racial justice protests and civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri. His leadership not only supported the community under these circumstances but also successfully increased learning outcomes, driving an impressive 200-percent increase in his school’s Annual Performance Report. As principal of Givens Elementary School and Steger 6th Grade Center for the past three years, Fields has focused on creating systems to address institutional racism that contributes to access and achievement gaps among students of color, students from low-income families, and students with learning disabilities. Through creative problem solving, Fields increased elective course options for students by adding Computer Science, Foreign Language, Drama, and Art and Design with existing district certified staff. His leadership, which includes empowering staff to be their authentic selves and engage in self-care, has allowed Fields to transform two schools in vastly different contexts. Fields is cofounder of Black Males in Education St. Louis and an adjunct professor at Harris-Stowe State University. He is currently working to create a Regional Memorandum of Understanding to address inclusion, equity, diversity, anti-bias, and antiracism within schools and organizations. He holds Ph.D., Ed.S., and M.A. degrees from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.