Ellen Hume-Howard

Ellen Hume-Howard has served as NHLI’s executive director since 2017.  In this role, she leads NHLI to assist New Hampshire schools and districts to deepen their innovative practices in education and improve learning for all students.  In addition to managing a staff of five, she also works directly with teacher leaders and administrators to support competency-based and personalized learning, assessment design, and competency-based instructional practice.

Since 2014, Ellen has worked with state and national experts to design a competency assessment program using performance assessment for state accountability.  Initially called PACE, the program was a first-of-its-kind accountability and assessment.  In 2022, NHLI launched NH PLACE (Performance Learning and Assessment Consortium for Educators) to support performance learning and assessment.

Before joining NHLI, Ellen worked as the director of curriculum for the Sanborn Regional School District, and guided the district’s research, design, and implementation of a nationally recognized K-12 competency-based learning system.

Ellen received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of New Hampshire, a master’s degree in Education and a CAGS in Educational Leadership.

Ellen and her husband Kip live on the New Hampshire Seacoast.