Maureen
Costello


Maureen Costello, retired director of Teaching Tolerance, has been a teacher and educational leader for over 40 years. Before joining the Southern Poverty Law Center, Costello worked for Scholastic, Inc. and directed the Newsweek Education Program. She began her career as a history and economics teacher at Notre Dame Academy High School in Staten Island. Throughout her career, Costello has been committed to fostering the ideals of democracy and citizenship in young people. She is a graduate of the New School University and the New York University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. In retirement, she continues to write and speak on education issues.

Articles by Maureen

A Message From Our Director

Teaching Tolerance director Maureen Costello honors Julian Bond, a champion for voting rights.

A Tale of Two Teachers

As your students move on to the next grade, what will they remember about you?

A Message From Our Director

Teaching Tolerance director Maureen Costello asks: Do our schools allow students agency and security?

What Issues Inspire You?

We need to look around our schools and communities with an eye towards equity. And—like our predecessors—we need to find the courage to take a stand together when we see it.

A Message From Our Director

Teaching Tolerance director Maureen Costello reminds us that storytelling can conquer fears.