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About Kathleen Flynn

With a Bachelor's and Master's in Education, Kathleen's journey encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences as a K-12 teacher, instructional designer/online course developer, and college and university professor. Kathleen’s approach to education is guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory, which reminds us that students cannot reach self-actualization (being the best they can be) without first ensuring they have food, clothing, shelter, and feel safe, connected, and respected.  This background and approach guide her decisions and allow her to connect learning across the lifespan, ensuring a holistic approach to education. 

Kathleen is dedicated to amplifying the voices of various stakeholders, including students, parents, educational staff, and community members. She firmly believes in creating space for representation and diverse perspectives at all levels of decision-making. Kathleen is acutely aware of biases and narratives that may dominate decision-making and strives for a Board of Trustees that authentically represents the population it serves. 

Grounded in the belief that authentic and culturally relevant teaching practices are essential, Kathleen advocates for an inclusive and diverse curriculum. She views our classrooms as gardens with students as unique flowers, each requiring different resources to flourish, and emphasizes the importance of nurturing these individual needs for the collective growth of our community. 

Kathleen plays a vital role in the Program Review Committee, ensuring program choices align with best practices and stay progressive. With a focus on forward-thinking education, she is committed to keeping the school board's offerings aligned with the evolving needs and skills of the community. 

As a parent with one child currently enrolled at KPR and another child set to enter kindergarten in September 2026, Kathleen is personally invested in the success of the school board. As the KPR school board continues to expand, Kathleen is steadfast in her commitment to championing financial support from the Ministry of Education. Her advocacy focuses on securing resources for the construction of new schools promptly. Simultaneously, she encourages the exploration of innovative problem-solving approaches to address the current challenges of overcrowding facing some schools.  Her advocacy extends beyond her role, recognizing the importance of strong community partnerships and effective communication in aligning educational practices with changing needs. 

Kathleen is a vocal proponent for the implementation of evidence-based interventions and screenings, particularly in response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read inquiry report. She emphasizes the need for equitable data collection, analysis, and reporting to address systemic issues affecting student outcomes. 

In Kathleen Flynn, the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ District School Board has a Trustee dedicated to fostering an inclusive, quality education system that meets the unique needs of every learner. With a focus on equity, representation, and evidence-based practices, Kathleen is driving positive change for the benefit of the entire Clarington community.