73° and Patchy rain nearby
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Photo courtesy of Westwood Public Schools. Katy Dearborn will hold dual roles as preschool director and out-of-district coordinator for Westwood Public Schools.
Thanks to Westwood Public Schools for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
Katy Dearborn worked in the Newton Public School system for over 25 years before coming to Westwood last year where she directed the Student Services Department at Westwood High School. “I’m going from the later end of their education, to the very beginning,” said Dearborn, who has been named the Westwood Public Schools (WPS) Preschool Director. She will also serve as the Out-of-District Coordinator for WPS, which involves working with Westwood residents who attend specialized programs not provided by WPS.
“In both these positions, you are always making decisions that are student-centered and keeping in mind what’s best for the student,” said Dearborn. “Whether it’s preschool or out-of-district, that continues to be the same mantra. We make decisions based on what’s best for students.”
Dearborn grew up in Lexington and says she can’t remember ever wanting to do anything but teach. “I always knew I’d go into education,” said Dearborn. “Teaching has always felt like the right path for me.”
She earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Stonehill College and then a master’s degree in special education from Simmons College. “I love being able to be part of shaping students and their education and getting them ready for the next step,” said Dearborn. “No matter where a student is in their educational journey, it’s meaningful to help create opportunities for them to learn, grow and be successful.”
“I am excited that with Katy moving into this role, it brings stability back to our amazing preschool program,” said Superintendent Tim Piwowar. “Katy’s genuine care for children shines through in every interaction with her, and I know that she will be a great leader for that program.”
Westwood’s preschool program is integrated – meaning both special education and traditional students learn side-by-side. “It’s really exciting to me, because it’s important to educate students with inclusive opportunities,” said Dearborn. “Working with students at the beginning part of their educational journey excited me, as does welcoming families to Westwood and creating a positive experience that lays a strong foundation for future success."
Dearborn plans to spend time this upcoming year observing and learning, and bringing “new excitement and ideas” to both positions. “One of my top priorities is to be able to hear from staff and families and build strong, trusting relationships. What do they think is working well? What are things that need to change?”
After working directly with students for many years, Dearborn says she feels she has amassed skills which allow her to make a greater impact as an administrator. “I like looking at the broader picture and making decisions that have a positive impact on students and staff.”
Dearborn is married to an educator; their two sons are now in college. She says she loves spending time on Cape Cod. So much so, the family’s dog is even named for the town they frequent – Brewster. She enjoys traveling, being outdoors and taking long walks with Brewster after work.
When asked about her experience of working in Westwood, the first word she mentioned was ‘community.’ “The people who live in Westwood seem to love Westwood, and as part of the school system, I’m part of this community where there’s incredible dedication to the town and schools,” said Dearborn. “Being able to work alongside that keeps me pumped up. There’s so much opportunity in Westwood for students and staff, and that’s been most exciting for me. So many of the staff have been here for many, many years. There’s a reason people don’t leave.”
