Kate McElderry
Kate McElderry is an accomplished educator, writer, and advocate for neurodiverse learners. Currently, she serves as the Director of Outreach at The Odyssey School. With three decades of experience in teaching students with learning differences such as Dyslexia and ADHD, Kate is deeply committed to creating inclusive and empowering learning environments. She leads outreach initiatives and coordinates education programs. Kate collaborates with educators and nonprofit organizations locally, nationally, and internationally on topics that include language and literacy, the growth mindset, intellectual risk-taking, and neurodiversity.
As a published author, Kate is set to have her debut novel, 'Declan Someone' released by Foreshore Publishing. Kate enjoys writing stories rooted in universal human themes like belonging, friendship, love, and learning. Her writing highlights the strengths and potential of neurodiverse characters.
Kate partook in English Literature and Creative Writing programs at University of Vermont. She holds a master’s degree in education with a focus on Instructional Systems and Curriculum Design from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Additionally, she has a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Environmental Biology from Ripon College. A neurodivergent learner herself, Kate brings personal insight and empathy to her work, championing students’ unique talents while helping educators understand and nurture diverse learning profiles. Kate’s lifelong dedication to education, writing, and outreach continues to inspire both students and educators worldwide.
• University of Maryland Baltimore County
• Ripon College
• Service Award; Siskyou County Office of Education
• Kappa Delta Pi Society
• George M. Shriver Award
• AWP Authors Guild
• Maryland Writers Association
• Irish Writers Centre
• Baltimore Womens Leadership Association
• Support an afterschool tutoring program for underserved students in Baltimore City
• Volunteer work helping homlessness
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the educators in my life; some taught me formally and others informally as mentors. They instilled belief in me and helped me trust my own creative process. My success is also grounded in a genuine love of learning, teaching, writing, collaborating, and sharing. I keep at it and that means adapting to the changing world we live in.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay jazzed and keep learning. There is a quote from The Rent Collector, by Camron Wright that relates and resonates with this sentiment. "Be patient. Learning is a lifelong affair." These are profound words that remind me "staying jazzed” means being curious and adopting a growth mindset. This is wonderful advice because it inherently implies that we follow a passion and know our purpose. When we aim to be jazzed, growth, and impact naturally follow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Think about your career (and life) as a unique and highly personal journey, rather than a linear path. Strive to find your voice, your lens, and your strengths. As you proceed in career and life, don't necessarily think it is about going up, but instead out. Expand yourself and keep growing. As you follow your own path, remember to take time for pause. Pausing honors process. It allows time to digest, reflect, rest, recharge, and create. Pause to take time for yourself, your friends and loved ones. Not only is career success (often) nonlinear, but it is also not a race. It's a journey to enjoy.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In education, there are great opportunities for us to build strong networks and collaborations. This is one of the reasons that educational outreach programs can be powerful. Connecting with other schools, universities, libraries, organizations, and communities allows us to share best practices, expand resources, and create more inclusive, effective learning experiences for all students.
Regarding writing, with current technological advancements, we are at an interesting crossroads. I love seeing writers, perhaps neurodivergent ones, who may struggle with grammar and spelling skills, use technology to help them write their ideas and personal perspectives. (They might not otherwise share this as written expression.) I feel strongly that AI should not replace human creativity, however. As a writer and educator, I believe there is no substitute for what our own unique brains come up with.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value kindness, authenticity, curiosity, creativity, and connection. Connection is a powerful notion, and I mean it in the fullest sense.
Connection is what we are wired for; that and conversation, storytelling, and community. These things are absolutely related. They are a beautiful confluence in my work and personal life.
I approach my personal life with same open mind and spirit that I do with my career. Whether it’s cooking for family and friends, bicycling a new route, enjoying the arts, reading a book, or hiking up a mountain, I strive for joyful learning and meaningful connections.
Locations
Baltimore, MD 21093