As chief program officer, Howard works with schools, districts, and state agencies to improve teacher pedagogy to impact student achievement and has been invited to present at technology conferences throughout the country. He is the lead author of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works and developed McREL's Power Walkthrough informal observation software. Prior to joining McREL, Howard was an elementary and middle school principal for 19 years. He holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana State University and master's, specialist, and doctorate degrees from Wichita State University.