Neubauer Fellows Community

Kate Sylvester

Principal, Joseph W. Catharine School
School District of Philadelphia
2017 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
K - 5th
Student Enrollment
520
School/Org Neighborhood
Northeast
Education
M.S. in Education, University of Pennsylvania
M.A. in Education Policy Studies, George Washington University
B.S. in Elementary Education, Drexel University
“I serve as a principal because every child deserves access to a rigorous curriculum, inclusion in high-quality instruction, and the ability to take ownership of their learning in an environment of joy, unconditional love, and acceptance.”

Kate Sylvester is currently serving as the principal of Joseph W. Catharine School. She  served as the principal of Watson T. Comly Elementary School from 2015 to 2024. Under her leadership, Watson T. Comly moved from a “watch” school to a “model” school on the School Progress Report and increased scores by 6% in English Language Arts and math and nearly 2% in science. Comly also received an award for Most Improved Elementary School from the School District of Philadelphia.

Kate has been an educator since 2002. Prior to becoming a principal, Kate served as instructional reform facilitator, school-based teacher leader, and middle school teacher. She is the Learning Network 8 Principal Cohort Lead for Trauma Informed Practices. Kate grew up in Flourtown, Pennsylvania.

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