Katherine (Kaite) Smith is the Executive Director of Operations for The Core Collaborative. Formerly, Katie was the Coordinator of Assessment and Research at Lyons Township High School District 204 just outside Chicago, IL, where she built a system of professional learning anchored in evidence based practices, managed the district’s data warehouse and was instrumental in partnering with educators to cultivate assessment- capable learners.
As a consultant, Katie partnered with the Core Collaborative in an effort to refocus the work of district professional learning communities on student learning. Through long-term strategic planning, intentional professional learning on the formative assessment process, and a focus on the implementation of IMPACT Team protocols, Katie supported district IMPACT Teams as they have successfully built their capacity to partner with all students in the learning process.
Katherine Smith is personally passionate about the concept of reaching all students. In her role with District 204, Katie served on the Equity and Achievement Team, working to create equitable academic opportunities for students from low socio-economic backgrounds. As an Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Bogan High School, and as the Curriculum Coordinator as well as the Social Science Chair at Fenger Academy High School in Chicago Public Schools, Katie worked with the faculty to align curriculum to rigorous standards, develop balanced common assessments, and implement common instructional practices across disciplines to address specific literacy skills. At both underperforming high schools, Katie worked with the faculty to expand the number of Advanced Placement courses offered, increase student enrollment in Advanced Placement courses, and enhance student performance in these courses.
A graduate of Learning Forward’s Academy Class of 2013, Katie studied change theory and adult learning principles in depth. She welcomes the opportunity to partner with adults in learning in order to make a positive difference in the lives of all students.
Katie lives in the Midwest with her husband and three daughters.
