KATHERINE PITTMAN
Juneau,USA
Summary
Dedicated educational leader with experience across multiple cultural systems of education, student support, special education, curriculum development, family engagement, and community partnership. Skilled at incorporating Tlingit kusteeyí into school practices through culturally responsive professional learning, two-way communication, data-informed decision-making, restorative approaches, and collaboration with educators, families, tribal leaders, elders, and heritage organizations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Native Student Success Coordinator
Juneau School District
01.2022 - Current
- Monitor Title VI grant budgets, objectives, and performance outcomes; support responsible use of federal education funds.
- Manage confidential ED 506 student eligibility certification forms to help secure and maintain appropriate federal funding levels.
- Track student attendance, grades, and academic progress; connect students experiencing challenges with tutoring, mentoring, and culturally tailored intervention strategies.
- Plan cultural enrichment activities that foster cultural identity, belonging, pride, and student engagement.
- Assist teachers and school staff in adopting culturally responsive teaching materials, practices, and place-based approaches.
- Facilitate regular Indian Studies Program Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings and support two-way communication with families and community members.
- Maintain communication and collaborative relationships with local tribal leaders, community partners, heritage organizations, educators, and families to strengthen student success.
Education Consultant
Sealaska Heritage Institute
04.2013 - Current
- Supported partnerships with educators and heritage organizations to strengthen culturally responsive education.
- Assisted with development of cultural and place-based instructional materials and learning experiences.
TCLL Special Education Teacher
Juneau School District
08.2018 - 05.2022
- Created and managed IEPs defining student learning objectives, educational strategies, accommodations, and supports.
- Applied instructional knowledge and methods to support individualized learning goals and monitored student progress to inform families and school administration.
- Facilitated the TCLL K–5 Curriculum Path and collaborated with educators to create culturally responsive teaching aids and cultural and place-based instructional materials.
Lead Teacher
CCTHITA Head Start
01.2011 - 05.2014
- Administered and interpreted formal and informal educational assessments, prepared written evaluation reports, and supported parent meetings.
- Planned and implemented daily learning activities supporting student development while incorporating local Tlingit culture.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student growth and progress and recommended at-home reinforcement through home visits and family night training.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK08-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-1997
Skills
- Parent Communication & Active Involvement
- Tribal, Heritage Organization & Advocacy Partnerships
- Transparent Use of Data
- Building Success Through Culture
- Conflict Resolution
- Trust-Based Relationships
- Student Progress Monitoring
- Grant Compliance
- Family Engagement
CORE LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS
- Native Student Success
- Grant Administration & Compliance
- Culturally Responsive Leadership
- Student Data & Progress Monitoring
- Family & Community Engagement
- Curriculum & Professional Learning
- Tribal & Heritage Partnerships
- Special Education & IEPs
- Restorative & Relationship-Based Practices
Timeline
Native Student Success Coordinator
Juneau School District
01.2022 - Current
TCLL Special Education Teacher
Juneau School District
08.2018 - 05.2022
Education Consultant
Sealaska Heritage Institute
04.2013 - Current
Lead Teacher
CCTHITA Head Start
01.2011 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Arizona State University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Alaska Southeast