Kate Whittier
District 8 Director - Kate Whittier
Biographical Information
I have had the opportunity to work with 6 - 8 grade students as a math and science teacher in New Orleans, LA; Chapel Hill, NC; Raleigh, NC; and Asheville, NC. Before my career in education, I graduated with a technical education degree in computer programming. After working at IBM for a short stint, I pursued my dream of teaching. I followed my love of math and science and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Math and Science Middle Grades Education from North Carolina State University (NCSU). While in college, I worked with special needs populations and uncovered a passion for helping those who needed the most support. I graduated with my Masters of Education in Special Education from NCSU. I remained in the general education population and taught for a total of 18 years in 6, 7, and 8th grade math and science before moving into the role of K-12 Science Specialist for Buncombe County Schools.
Mission Statement
As a K-12 science specialist, my mission is to support and empower science educators in aligning curriculum to the North Carolina state standards while fostering a shift in classroom pedagogy that emphasizes the science and engineering practices. I am committed to advocating for high-quality, equitable science education that engages students in authentic, inquiry-driven learning experiences. I aim to collaborate with educators and promote instructional strategies that prepare students to think critically, solve problems and see themselves as scientists.
