About Kate
My History
I was born in Portland, Oregon, but have spent half of my life in San Diego (my father is a San Diego native and my grandmother still lives here, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my life here with her...she is a frequent visitor to all of our Project nights.) I grew up hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and attending a school with a philosophy and practice much like that of our beloved SDCCS!
I have a passion for service and advocacy for all individuals, and I have worked extensively to write grants and implement programs for univeristy level students to develop cultural competency through community service learning.
During the completion of my preliminary multiple subject teaching credential through the University of San Diego, I had the opportunity to become involved in the development of a new charter school (Trillium Charter School) in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. There I worked to develop the K-1-2 full inclusion multiage program as a teacher, creating a three year cyclical curriculum based on interdisciplinary thematic instruction, exploration, and independent learning. My experience allowed me to embrace the benefits of the charter school model, exploring the endless possibilities for academic freedom and ability to support the whole child, and engage in the challenging and dynamic process of developing a program and a school.
In the fall of 2004, I returned to the University of San Diego to complete my Master’s degree in Special Education with a dual emphasis in mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities. I hold a Multiple Subjects Clear Credential with a CLAD endorsement, a certificate in Developmentally Appropriate Practices from UCSD, as well as my Special Education Credential with an additional endorsement for teaching students with severe disabilities.
For the past six years, I have worked at the University of San Diego, in the capacities of academic coordinator, program developer, and instructor in the Summer Transition Program which supports incoming college freshmen.
I have loved traveling the world, studying history and culture, and having the opportunity to bring those experiences to the classroom. I love writing, reading, art, and most of all, spending my life with, and learning from children. A student in my class last year asked me, "Kate, when did you know that the thing you were meant to do in the world was teach kids?" I paused...and he continued..."Is it when you found out that you loved it so much when we learned something new, and that you loved spending time with us?" The answer, of course, was, "Yes."
I am honored to be a part of the dynamic and caring community of the San Diego Cooperative School.
Philosophy of Education
Email me: kate@sdccs.org 