Who is Kate Barker?

For seventeen years, Kate lovingly served as a principal at three different buildings. She worked with a diverse and vibrant community of preschool through fifth-grade students. Seventy percent of the families experienced poverty, and twenty-eight different languages were spoken. Many of her students, whose basic needs were not met, were steeped in trauma. And yet, Cherry Park Elementary students consistently outperformed state averages.

Principal Kate

When someone asked Kate Barker how many children she had, she replied, “Five hundred thirty-seven, plus two.” As well as having two children of her own, Kate is a retired principal from Portland, Oregon. She has been an educator for the past thirty plus years, all in the David Douglas School District, which is located in an urban setting. Kate has spent her career dedicated to supporting, loving and learning from her community.

She holds a master’s in special education and is a champion for building a culture that includes all students and families. She believes that everything starts with a genuine relationship, and connections and high expectations are at the core of success for every community.

Oregon Principal of the Year & National Distinguished

It was an incredible honor for Kate to not only be recognized as Oregon's Principal of the Year but a Nationally Distinguished Principal with NAESP.

Professor Kate

Kate has always LOVED to teach no matter what role she is serving. It has been so rewarding to teach the future principals and educational leaders of tomorrow. She is currently a professor at the University of Oregon where she teaches Executive Leadership, Curriculum and Assessment and Supervision and Evaluation.

Coach and Consultant Kate

Kate's passion is to support and coach school communities in various capacities. She is energized by giving dynamic keynotes, leading workshops and providing coaching to individuals or groups. She has a repertoire of strategies that will capitalize on the strengths of the person and community and catapult them to greater heights. Kate also has served as a principal coach; working one on one with people who need a mentor, sounding-board, thought-partner and developer.

Kate's daughter works in the medical field after graduating from University of Oregon and her son is currently attending the rival school, Oregon State in Civil Engineering. Kate also is a professor at U of O. Game days are fun in the Barker household!

The Williwaw, the family dory boat, has provided lots of fishing and crabbing adventures. We launch right from the beach!

Wife and Mom Kate

Kate has been married to her husband for 30 years. They met at the University of Oregon and are fierce Duck fans. Go Ducks!

They enjoy spending time in Pacific City where they fish, crab and hang out with friends and family by the fire pit. They also enjoy Black Butte Ranch where they love the peaceful mountains and sunshine. Favorite pastimes include golf, biking, sunbathing and spending time out on the deck and playing cards.

Black Butte Ranch is in Central Oregon with spectacular views like this one. It is the best place to unwind and enjoy family and friends.

Kate's past schools have been distributing this fabulous food on a weekly basis for over fifteen years. It not only provides much needed food for her community, but saves over 50,000 pounds of food a month from going into landfills.

Learn more about Urban Gleaners at: http://urbangleaners.org/

Food Rescuer Kate

As a daughter of a Home Economics teacher, Kate's family was always cooking, sewing, canning and setting a beautiful table for friends and family. It is no wonder that food is one of Kate's love languages! She has transferred this love of sharing food to her community by being on the board of Urban Gleaners. Urban Gleaners is a nonprofit where Kate currently serves as the Board Chairperson. The organization collects food from grocery stores, restaurants and businesses before it goes to waste and then shares it with people in need.

Advocate Kate

Kate is passionate about advocating for students, families and education at the local, state and national level. She has loved the connections she has made with leaders from around our nation.

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