Social studies are a vital subject that is taught in all of our schools. It gives students a sense of their countries history and it helps to broaden their minds by bringing up challenging and pertinent questions about the relationship about our history and our current situation. This type of discourse and knowledge to argue these points is exactly what Natalie Stiglitz expects out students as they progress from K-12 grade. She is the Director Office of Civic Education and Engagement and Co-Director of the Nystrand Center of Excellence in Education at the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville. She is responsible for addressing issues and training teachers to ensure that the states social studies programs meet state guidelines. Her ability to create compliance in conjunction to laying out rigorous goals has made her either the Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator of the over $1.6 million in grants she is responsible for. Everyone noticed Natalie Stiglitz’s leadership skills as the State Social Studies Specialist for the Kentucky Department of Education. She was responsible for helping school districts comply with curriculum standards and served as a liaison with various partners to ensure that the transition remains timely and seamless. Natalie Stiglitz understands how the educational system works from the ground up, literally. She began her career as an eighth grade school teacher and was promoted to assistant principal for Henry County Middle School. During her tenure, Stiglitz went from implementing curriculums, to analyzing the effectiveness of the curriculum, meeting with school committees to make sure all aspects of the curriculum are acknowledged. Natalie Stiglitz graduated from the University of Louisville receiving her PhD in Education Leadership Organization Development.