Dr. Kathleen Clarke-Anderson, MAEL, EdD

I attribute my professional success to a strategic combination of innovative leadership, a profound commitment to equity, and the ability to architect and manage complex educational initiatives.
1. Transformative and Culturally Responsive Leadership
My success is fundamentally rooted in my leadership philosophy, which I define as being a Transformative/Servant Leader. My goal is to continually use innovative, creative ways to push the boundaries and encourage growth. I specifically apply culturally responsive leadership within the educational community to achieve this objective. This focus on empowerment and inspiration has been key to guiding staff development and fostering collective professional growth.
2. Specialized Expertise in Equity and Inclusion
I measure my success by my ability to create and sustain equitable and just environments. My professional mission explicitly prioritizes equity, diversity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB).
I serve as a certified DEIJB facilitator.
I have chaired the DEI Committee for institutions like UCNJ and led DEI initiatives for the New Jersey Speech and Debate Association.
I am an Expert in Century Skills across the curriculum and Universal Design and a certified Universal Design Facilitator. My success comes from proactively developing curriculum, workshops, and presentations focused on Universal Design to ensure all students receive support.
3. Program Architecture and Operational Management
A significant source of my professional achievement is my capacity to build programs and manage comprehensive operations:
Program Building: I successfully built a grant-funded program from the ground up at UCNJ, providing support and opportunities in higher education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Resource Creation: I attribute my success to identifying institutional needs and creating solutions, such as developing resources for remediation in math programs for students at Eastern International College.
Oversight: My success in executive functions includes supervising day-to-day campus operations for admissions, financial aid, and academic programs, as well as overseeing audits, budgets, and physical plant operations.
4. Commitment to Well-being and Professional Development
My success also comes from fostering a positive environment through strategic professional development and well-being initiatives:
I am a PERMA facilitator, meaning I apply psychological principles to promote positive organizational culture.
I created and presented professional development for a flipped classroom approach to learning, demonstrating my dedication to continuous pedagogical improvement.
I have extensive experience in staff development and curriculum creation, ensuring that the entire educational team is equipped with 21st Century Skills.
5. Recognition and Academic Rigor
Finally, my success is validated through my pursuit of advanced education and formal recognition:
I am committed to advanced learning, pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership (Higher Education).
I have received notable honors, including the Governor’s Award for Teacher of the Year and NJ Speech and Debate Coach of the Year.

I was told always to fulfill my goals and dreams.

Know who you are and bring your own seat to the table if there isn't one available.

Education is in a bad place right now. I believe in teachers and their ability to do so much with so little. I know students need to learn and educators will continue bringing students through their learning experiences.

The values most important to me in my work, guiding my professional philosophy, are centered on equity, transformational growth, and continuous improvement. While the provided material focuses on my professional life, these values reflect core ethical commitments that drive my success and leadership.
Core Values Guiding My Work and Leadership
1. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB). This is the central framework for my professional approach and leadership mission. I am dedicated to creating environments that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. This commitment is evidenced by my active roles as Chairman of the DEI Committee at UCNJ and Chairman of DEI for the New Jersey Speech and Debate Association, demonstrating a consistent value placed on social justice across institutions.
2. Transformative Leadership and Growth I highly value a leadership style focused on continuous improvement and responsiveness. I define myself as a Transformative/Servant Leader, dedicated to encouraging growth within the educational community and inspiring others to utilize innovative, creative ways to push boundaries.
3. Commitment to Student Support and Accessibility A core value for me is ensuring that all learners have the support necessary to succeed, especially those facing systemic barriers. This is demonstrated by:
Building a grant-funded transition program to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in higher education.
My expertise as a facilitator for Universal Design indicates a commitment to making all environments accessible.
4. Professional Excellence and Continuous Improvement I value dedication, rigor, and the use of established frameworks for self and organizational improvement.
This includes being a facilitator for established well-being frameworks like PERMA and pedagogical skills such as SEL and 21st Century Skills across the curriculum.
My commitment to professional rigor is further reflected in receiving the Governor’s Award for Teacher of the Year and my membership in prestigious national honor societies. In summary, the values most important to me—as demonstrated through my career—are deeply centered on equity, accessibility, transformative leadership, innovation, and a constant pursuit of excellence and professional growth.