Welcome to Diverse Development Learning Services
At Diverse Development Learning Services, I believe that every student can learn and grow when their unique learning style is appreciated and understood. As an experienced special educator, I specialize in providing educational supports to students and their families, with a focus on math, reading, and writing. I offer tutoring, homeschool support, and advocacy services to help every student reach their full potential.
Kate Barrett M.Ed.
About Me
My name is Kate Barrett. I've taught special education in Southwest Washington for the last 10 years. I have a passion for working with students with all kinds of unique learning needs and their families. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was in 2nd grade. I was fortunate enough to have teachers and tutors that took the time to get to know me, see my strengths, and foster a love of learning that I carry with me to this day. I've spent my career aiming to be that type of educator for all the students that I work with. I've worked with students with diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, emotional-behavioral disorders, and more. I've found that I have a gift for connecting with all types of students, making learning more enjoyable, unlocking capabilities, and building confidence.
​
The hard reality is that schools in the Portland Metro Area are increasingly stretched for resources, support, time, and staffing, leaving more and more students to fall through the cracks. This school year I've started Diverse Development Learning Services to be an extra layer of support for students and families. I provide tutoring, homeschool support, and advocacy. Could your child use a boost in math, reading, or writing skills? Do you wish they enjoyed learning more? Contact me today to schedule a free 30 minute consultation!
Teaching Credentials
Special Education Certification
Date Completed: May 2011
I hold a special education certification, which means I have a deep knowledge of a wide range of disabilities and training in research-based methods for working with students who learn differently. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, and am committed to providing the highest quality educational supports to students and their families.
Master's Degree in Elementary Education
Date Completed: May 2011
In addition to my special education certification, I have a master's degree in elementary education. This means that I have a deep understanding of the principles of teaching and learning, child-development, and elementary learning standards throughout the grade levels.
Teaching Experience
Programs
Educational Background
​Special Education Teacher, Hollingsworth Academy
8/2021-6/2023
-
Taught math, reading, writing, and social-emotional skills to an elementary day treatment class for students with behavior and social-emotional needs
-
Tracked, monitored and evaluated student performance and tailored lesson plans to individual strengths and weaknesses to improve academic and social-emotional skills
-
Engaged in weekly professional development around equity, trauma informed practices, and culturally responsive teaching
​
Special Education Teacher, Columbia Valley Elementary School
11/2014-6/2021
-
Taught and case managed elementary students with moderate disabilities
-
Developed interactive lesson plans to deliver high quality instruction in math, reading, writing, social skills, and adaptive skills
-
Scheduled and facilitated inclusive learning opportunities for students in grade level classrooms
-
Collaborated with other educators and families to best support students needs
​
Special Education Teacher, Union Ridge Elementary School
8/2013-10/2014
-
Planned and taught specially designed instruction in reading, writing, math, social-emotional and adaptive skills to groups of students with a wide variety of educational needs
-
Created structures and procedures for groups to maintain a safe and positive learning environment
-
Provided ongoing and regular feedback on student progress to parents and guardians
Orton Gillingham Training
-
Structured multi-sensory approach to reading and writing instruction
-
Known to be the most effective literacy instruction for students with Dyslexia
-
Years of experience working with students using this approach
-
I provide all the materials needed
-
Makes learning to read fun and engaging for students
-
Can be used in conjunction with other reading programs such as Fountas and Pinnell to enhance instruction
Course Completed: August 2020
Fountas and Pinnell Training
Courses Completed: August 2015, August 2016, August 2017
-
Comprehensive, systematic literacy instruction
-
Assessments that determine grade level of reading skills and help target gaps in reading skills
-
Instruction uses high quality children's literature to engage students in the joy of reading
-
Years of training and experience with a variety of facets of the program including the interventions program for struggling readers, the interactive read aloud program, and the guided reading program
-
Can be used in conjunction with other reading programs such as Orton Gillingham to enhance instruction
Number Talks Experience
4 years of experience
-
Helps students develop problem solving, mental math, and math conversations skills
-
Useful for students of all ages, skill levels, and learning styles
-
Helps students gain confidence in their math skills
-
Real world applications making learning meaningful
Illustrative Mathematics Experience
1 year of experience
-
Problem based math curriculum that encourages students to use a combination of their current math knowledge, life experience, and the world around them
-
Lots of games and fun activities
-
Teaches students how to think as a mathematician
-
Focuses on math thinking skills over just getting the right answer
-
Has free curriculum online
My Own Literacy and Math Curriculum Library
10 years of development
-
Developed an array of visual, engaging and interactive learning activities available for tutoring sessions
-
Developed for individualized learning for students at a wide variety of skill levels, grade levels, and learning styles
-
Include scaffolds that can be gradually faded as the student builds understanding and knowledge
-
Wide variety of different topics, skills and formats
​May 2011
- M. ED. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
​
May 2010
- B.A. IN PSYCHOLOGY AND MINOR IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, MAGNA CUM LAUDE, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
​
ACADEMIC HONORS
Phi Beta Kappa, Inducted May 2010
Pi Lambda Theta, Honor Society for Educators, Elected Spring 2009