Zoe Weil

Zoe Weil (pronounced “Zoh While”) is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), and is considered a pioneer in the comprehensive humane education movement. Zoe created IHE’s M.Ed., M.A. and graduate certificate programs, as well as IHE’s acclaimed humane education and MOGO (most good) workshops.

Zoe is the author of seven books, including “The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries” (2016), Nautilus Silver Medal–winner “Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life” (2009) and two books for young readers, including Moonbeam Gold Medal-winner “Claude and Medea” (2007). She has written numerous articles on humane education and humane living, and given interviews to such outlets as Forbes.com and numerous radio and television stations.

Zoe speaks regularly at universities, conferences and schools, and in communities across the United States and Canada and periodically overseas. She has also served as a consultant on humane education to people and organizations around the world, and serves on the board of directors of Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers (HEART).

In 2012, artist Robert Shetterly painted Zoe’s portrait for his acclaimed Americans Who Tell the Truth series. Also in 2012, Zoe was honored with the Women in Environmental Leadership award at Unity College. In 2010, she was inducted into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame.

Zoe received master’s degrees in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School in 1988 and in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania in 1983. She is also certified in psychosynthesis counseling.

Zoe lives with her husband and several rescued animals in a home adjoining the Institute for Humane Education in Surry, Maine.