TDSB Chair Alexander Brown announced the appointment of Dr. Kathy Witherow as TDSB’s Interim Director of Education.

Kathy replaces Carlene Jackson who will begin her appointment as Ontario’s Comptroller General. Before this appointment, and since June 2018, Kathy was the TDSB’s Associate Director, Leadership, Learning, and School Improvement. Kathy has been an instrumental part of the TDSB’s senior management team leading the safe opening of the TDSB’s 583 in-person schools and virtual schools during the COVID -19 pandemic. As an Associate Director, Kathy has led Special Education, K-to-12 Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Leadership Development, and Research in the TDSB.

Kathy previously served as Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Services with the York Region District School Board. Her teaching experience has included many years as an elementary and secondary classroom teacher, a Special Education teacher and a school administrator. Kathy was also an instructor in the Masters of Education programs at the University of Toronto and Queen’s University. Before joining the TDSB, Kathy served in the Ontario Ministry of Education, where she led a team of Student Achievement Officers to support continuous system and school improvement.

Quick Facts
 

• Kathy holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). She also has a Special Education Specialist and Guidance Specialist.

• Kathy’s new role is effective October 10, 2020.

“Kathy has been instrumental in leading, developing and implementing our return to school plans. As we continue to face the changing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for teaching and learning and school safety, the Board has every confidence that Kathy will provide both exceptional experience and strong leadership for Toronto’s public schools.”

– Alexander Brown, Chair, TDSB and Trustee, Ward 12

“The TDSB has outstanding staff who are working tirelessly to put our students first. I look forward to continuing working together with all educational partners as we focus on ensuring all of our students are once again back to school, either in-person or virtual, and that the learning experiences are safe, engaging, and centred on the identity and strengths of each of our students. Our focus continues to be on equitable access to inclusive learning environments during our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

- Dr. Kathy Witherow, Interim Director of Education