Kate Sommerville serves as a Professional Development Specialist at the Institute. Kate spent 17 years teaching 4th and 5th grade in the Elmbrook School District, with the last four years team-teaching in a personalized learning environment. The teaming model developed by Kate scaled to multiple learning environments within her school, and has influenced educators across Wisconsin and the Midwest. 

Kate received her undergraduate degrees in elementary and special education from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2000.  In 2007, she received her Master’s Degree in Education in Professional Development from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse. 

As a speaker, instructional coach, and consultant, Kate uses her creativity and enthusiasm to support teachers as they rethink their instructional practices and learning environments to best meet the needs of learners. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences, and has a true passion for keeping the student at the center of learning through the use of technology, inquiry based instruction, and student autonomy. She looks forward to using her own personal experiences to network and support teachers, districts, and students on their own personalized learning journey.