Kate Barker

Throughout her illustrious career in the David Douglas School District in Portland, Oregon, Kate Barker has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for students, staff, and families. Starting as a fourth-grade teacher, Kate’s dedication to education led her to various leadership roles, including principal and overseeing K-12 Language Arts, Title I, and Early Childhood.

As a principal for 17 years across three different buildings, Kate cultivated vibrant cultures where significant academic and social growth could flourish, despite the many barriers her community faced. She has spent her entire career working in diverse communities with over 28 different languages spoken, with the vast majority of her families living in poverty. Her educational journey, complemented by a master’s in Special Education and a reading endorsement, has equipped her with a repertoire of systems and strategies for equitable and inclusive practices. Her passion for early childhood led to the development of an all-inclusive preschool in her building. In addition, Kate has 15 years of experience with self-contained classrooms focusing on regulating behavior while maintaining high academic standards.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kate was honored as the Oregon Principal of the Year and Nationally Distinguished Principal of the Year in 2021. In retirement, she continues to share her expertise as a professor at the University of Oregon in the administrative licensure program, as a consultant and coach for school districts, fostering leadership, inclusive practices, and multi-tiered systems of support. In addition, she is the author of Principaled: Navigating the Leadership Learning Curve where she and her co-authors discuss key concepts to the success of educational leaders.

Driven by her passion for collaboration and connection, Kate believes in the power of relationships to optimize growth for all. Her hope as a coach is to cultivate a trusting and safe space where leaders can flourish. With years of wisdom and experience, Kate stands ready to support and guide leaders on their journey toward success, believing that “the brilliance is in the room” when we learn and grow together.