Empowering Futures; Opening Every Door of Opportunity to Inspire, Educate, and Elevate Every Student.
Dr. Kathleen W. Taylor is an accomplished educator and visionary leader, with five decades of experience in shaping educational practices, improving student outcomes, and championing the value of inclusive, forward-thinking policies. Retiring in August 2021 after serving as the Superintendent of the Ocean City School District in New Jersey for 15 years, Dr. Taylor’s tenure was marked by a commitment to educational excellence, innovative program development, and strategic leadership. Under her guidance, the district achieved national recognition for its educational practices, and she was honored with numerous awards, including being named the 2018 New Jersey State Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Taylor holds a Doctor of Education from Widener University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the prestigious Landis Award for Outstanding Graduate Student. She also earned a Master of Education from Arcadia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Distinction, and a Bachelor of Science from East Stroudsburg University, graduating Cum Laude. These academic accomplishments laid the foundation for a career dedicated to excellence in education, student success, and community engagement.
Her career began in the Norristown Area School District in Pennsylvania, where she taught secondary social studies and earned recognition as one of “America’s Who’s Who Teachers.” In a landmark achievement, she became the first woman principal at the Roosevelt Alternative School, a position she held with distinction, leading the school to significant improvements in student achievement through innovative, project-based learning initiatives. She was later recognized by the Norristown Area School Board for her leadership and the innovative programs she developed at the school.
Dr. Taylor’s leadership journey continued in the School District of Haverford Township, where she made history as the first woman to serve as assistant superintendent for the middle and high schools and academic services. In recognition of her dedication, she received the 2005 Domenick Recchiuti Award for Humanitarian Service.
In 2006, Dr. Taylor took the helm as the first woman Superintendent of the Ocean City School District, a role she held until her retirement. During her tenure, she was instrumental in transforming the district into a beacon of educational excellence. In addition to being named State Superintendent of the Year in 2018, she was also recognized as the Cape May County Superintendent of the Year and the New Jersey Association of School Administrators Region 3 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Taylor’s leadership was further acknowledged through her receipt of a U.S. Congressional “Challenge Coin” for her foresight and dedication to student-centered education. Her work was also honored by the New Jersey Senate, Assembly, and Cape May Freeholders, who recognized her exceptional contributions to both the Ocean City School District and the broader Cape May County community.
Throughout her career, Dr. Taylor was a vocal advocate for educational equity and access. She served as Chair of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) Curriculum and Instruction Committee and Co-Chair for NJASA’s 4 Equity – Student Committee. She also served on the New Jersey School Boards Association Mental Health Task Force, where she authored the initiative “Building A Foundation of Hope,” focusing on mental health awareness in schools. In addition to her role in educational leadership, Dr. Taylor contributed to the professional development of other educational leaders by mentoring assistant superintendents and serving on various selection panels, including the NJDOE State Teacher of the Year panel.
Dr. Taylor’s influence extended beyond the classroom and district boardrooms. She served on numerous executive boards, including the Ocean City Free Public Library, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean City Historical Museum, and the Ocean City Education Foundation. Her commitment to community outreach also saw her working with Shore Memorial Hospital’s Stainton Society and AtlantiCare’s Strategic Initiative Committee for Youth Health and Well-Being. Dr. Taylor’s leadership and service to the community earned her multiple honors, including the “Key to the City” awards from both Ocean City and Sea Isle City.
Dr. Taylor is passionate about continuing her legacy of educational leadership and student advocacy. She is currently exploring opportunities to serve on boards, where her extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, and educational leadership can be leveraged to benefit organizations seeking innovative, student-centered approaches. Her personal mission statement, “Open Every Door of Opportunity for Students,” reflects her lifelong commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
With a long career, Dr. Taylor has not only shaped educational landscapes but has also been a dedicated mentor and advisor, helping to cultivate the next generation of educational leaders. As she seeks to continue her work on boards, Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience, a passion for policy-setting, and a common-sense approach to decision-making, all of which make her a powerful asset to any organization.
Character
Dr. Kathleen W. Taylor exemplifies integrity and dedication, consistently prioritizing student success and educational equity throughout her distinguished career.
Knowledge
With a Doctor of Education and decades of experience, Dr. Taylor possesses deep expertise in educational leadership, curriculum development, and student-centered program design.
Strategic
As a visionary leader, Dr. Taylor drove meaningful change in school districts through innovative programs, strategic planning, and a focus on continuous improvement.
Articles about Kathleen Taylor:
Ocean City Superintendent Captures Regional Award | Ocean City, NJ Patch
Ocean City’s Taylor Named State Superintendent Of The Year | Ocean City, NJ Patch
Ocean City’s Taylor named New Jersey Superintendent of the Year
Archived News Releases / DR. KATHLEEN W. TAYLOR NAMED 2018 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR
School Superintendent: ‘No One Ever Thought It Would Happen at Their School’ | Ocean City, NJ Patch
Articles about New Jersey Public School Choice Program, I led the efforts to enroll Ocean City School District in this NJDOE program in 2010, during my tenure.
School Choice is a boon to Ocean City School District ‣ Ocean City Sentinel
