Faculty Profile: Dr. Christy Howard
Title: Associate Professor
Department: Department of Literacy Studies, English Education, and History Education
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Colleges attended and degrees:
Ph.D University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC — Teacher Education and Development
M.Ed. University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC — Curriculum and Instruction
B.A. University of North Carolina at Greensboro — English
Years working at ECU: 8 years
What do you love about ECU?
I love our students. I love their passion and commitment to education. I love learning about how their experiences and their identities influence them as educators and future educators. I also love the relationships I have formed here, the collaboration with my colleagues and the opportunities to learn and grow as a scholar and educator.
What are your research interests?
Culturally responsive literacy instruction, diversity and inclusion in children’s literature, content area literacy, and the experiences of students and faculty of color.
What is your favorite course that you have taught or currently teach?
This is hard, because I’ve been fortunate to teach courses I love, but I would say my two favorite courses are “Literacy Learning in a Diverse World” and “Diversity and Equity in Literacy Education.”
What drew you to LEHE and, in particular, Literacy Studies?
Well, anyone who knows me knows I love literacy. I love reading, I love writing, I love teaching about all things literacy-related, so it’s really my passion. I felt in the literacy studies program I could teach courses that aligned with my interest and my courses aligned with my research, so it all fit together in a way that worked for me. I also love that LEHE includes history education, so I’ve really had the opportunity to think about and study the role of literacy in content area courses, specifically history. In LEHE I was provided the opportunity to co-teach and research with history education faculty and those experiences have been really important to my work. This department provides so many opportunities for collaboration, and that’s a big part of what drew me here.
Outside of work, what are your favorite hobbies or interests?
As I mentioned, I enjoy reading. Obviously I read a lot for work, but even outside of work, my place of peace is with a good book. My favorite things to read are mysteries and YA novels. I also enjoy traveling. I’m always ready to visit new places. I love the beach, any beach, any time.