Kate McWhirter, BA, BEd

Discipline/Teaching Area: Child, Youth, and Family Studies 

I joined the Child, Youth, and Family Studies program as an auxiliary instructor in 2019 and have immensely enjoyed instructing a variety of courses within this amazing program.

I have been a teacher for over 20 years. I started out in the public school system, however, most of my experience has been at an Independent School. I have taught grades kindergarten through to grade 9, with kindergarten being my favourite grade level as I have a passion for early intervention and kindergarten readiness. I spent 11 fun years teaching kindergarten students! I have also had a variety of experiences in Student Services (K-9) including as Coordinator for the Student Service program. I also gained experience at an administrator level as a Vice Principal and have found all of my career roles complement each other well. Within the Child, Youth and Family Studies program area, I specialize in the Education Assistant program.  I am extremely passionate about what I do and I love to connect with others regarding the best way to support students.

In my spare time I am a boxing coach and a Boxing BC official. I love to spend time with family and friends, and do anything outdoors. Although I am very active, I have recently taken up painting and I enjoy the quiet times to relax, read and sit by the fire.