Cathy White
Today, Cathy White invests her time in mentoring, ministry, and supporting educators in meaningful, hands-on ways. She coordinates women’s ministry at her church, serves on the advisory board for the Kentucky School for the Deaf, volunteers as an instructional coach at a local middle school, and supports a grassroots, teacher-led network for teachers of the deaf through collaborative support circles.
While she has stepped away from full-time work, Cathy has not stepped away from her calling. Her current season reflects a continued commitment to encouraging growth in others—whether in faith, in the classroom, or in professional community.
Cathy’s influence is grounded in a career spanning more than three decades in education. She began as a teacher of students who are deaf and hard of hearing before moving into district leadership in instructional technology. She later served at the Kentucky Department of Education in a variety of roles focused on school improvement, educator effectiveness, and system design, including work as a Highly Skilled Educator supporting some of the state’s lowest-performing schools.
Her leadership contributed to the development of Kentucky’s teacher and leader effectiveness systems, in collaboration with national partners such as Charlotte Danielson and Pearson. She also played a key role in educator preparation program review, accreditation support, and statewide initiatives to strengthen teaching and learning.
In addition, Cathy spent nearly two decades as an adjunct instructor at Eastern Kentucky University and later at Midway University, equipping future educators with both practical skills and a deep sense of purpose.
Whether in formal roles or in this current season of service, Cathy’s work has always been centered on people—seeing their potential, investing in their growth, and helping them step into who they were created to be.
• Highly Skilled Educator
• M.Ed., Special Education (Hearing Impairment), University of Cincinnati
B.S., Bible and Deaf Education, Cincinnati Bible College
• Golden Apple Award, College of Education, Eastern Kentucky University (2010, 2015)
Nominated, Critical Thinking Teacher of the Year, Eastern Kentucky University (2011)
• Kentucky School for the Deaf Advisory Board
• Kentucky School for the Deaf Advisory Board Member
• Instructional Coach for New Teachers at Lexington Middle School
• Jobs for Life Course Facilitator at Hope Center through Lexington Rescue Mission
• Women's Ministry Coordinator at Church
• President of Double Vision Christian Ministries serving Haiti
• Cohort Facilitator for Renew U
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you want to be a classroom teacher, my advice is simple: know your students and stay student-centered. Teaching isn’t ultimately about teaching; it’s about student learning.
Take the time to understand who your students are, and let that guide all of your work. Keep your focus on their growth, not just your teaching.
At the same time, build a strong support system around you. You cannot do this work alone. Teaching was never meant to be done in isolation. You have to be willing to let others pour into you, just as you pour into them, so you can grow together.
A collaborative spirit is what creates a truly student-centered environment, one built by educators who are committed first to their students, and also to strengthening one another along the way.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are rooted first in my faith and a desire to reflect the image of God in how I live and how I see others. I value seeing the best in people, recognizing their potential, and helping them grow into who they were created to be.
I believe deeply in purpose, that each person has been uniquely gifted, and I find joy in helping others discover and live that out. I also value meaningful work and the kind of relationships that endure over time.
Whether in the classroom or now in retirement, what has mattered most to me is investing in people, encouraging their growth, and celebrating as they step into their calling.
