Howard-Brahaney Selected as DoDEA Europe Director for Student Excellence

DoDEA Director Tom Brady has named Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney as the DoDEA Europe Director for Student Excellence, effective December 19, 2021. She will be responsible for DoDEA’s 64 schools and nearly 4,000 employees that serve 25,000 military-connected students across Europe. The selection was made through a competitive process.

Howard-Brahaney began her career as a middle school teacher and has since accrued almost 30 years’ experience leading change in primary, secondary, and post-secondary education environments. Howard-Brahaney’s work in Michigan to integrate Multi-tiered Systems of Support and lead district superintendents in special education initiatives positively impacted students throughout her tenure there. Since 2018, she has served as the DoDEA Europe South District Superintendent.

“Dr. Howard-Brahaney is exceptionally well qualified, and I have been particularly impressed by her remarkable handling of the many challenges posed over the past 18 months by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Brady. “Dr. Howard-Brahaney’s demonstrated leadership and focus on student achievement has had tremendous impacts in Europe South District and she is well-equipped to continue building on DoDEA’s commitment to continuous improvement across Europe.”

Howard-Brahaney received a Doctor of Philosophy in Theory and Social Foundations of Education from the University of Toledo, Ohio. In addition, she earned an Educational Specialist in Administration from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. She received a federal award from the Office of Special Education for her master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on students with emotional impairments and autism; her bachelor’s degree is in Elementary and Special Education.

“It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept this new role,” said Howard-Brahaney. “Over the past few years, I have been amazed and inspired by the educators, administrators and staff of DoDEA Europe and look forward to providing the support and leadership they need as we continue to serve our military families and their children.”

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-age children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Educational Agencies throughout the United States that serve children of military families.