Karen Howell-Toomer has been employed by The School District of Philadelphia for the past twenty-three years. She was as a substitute teacher, a 6th through 8th grade teacher and as an assistant principal at two middle schools before becoming a principal. For the past four years, she has been the principal of Rhawnhurst Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia. Karen attributes her motivation, diligence, and educational values to her mother, Helen Blackwood. “It was my mother who instilled the importance of education for future success into my two sisters and me. She taught us the value of perseverance and hard work to reach our goals. There was nothing more important than providing us every opportunity to attend the best colleges.”

She believes in the transformative power of education, and works to promote diversity and inclusion of all stakeholders at the her school. Motivated by her educational philosophy that “Every student can learn, and it is the responsibility of the school community to provide all students with the right resources and opportunities to a achieve, and to provide unconditional support when they may lose their way.” She is always encouraging her faculty and staff to maintain high expectations for all students.

Married to Robert Toomer, she appreciates her husband’s constant support and willingness to share in her mission to serve youth. In addition to her work as an educator, Mrs.Howell-Toomer is involved with community service through her active membership in Delta Sigma Theta sorority organization.