Student support can make or break an individualized educational experience. At BASIS Independent Bothell, ongoing student support is a critical part of our academic program. Deans regularly monitor student performance and proactively identify those who need support or are making exceptional strides. Deans play a very specific role in developing and orchestrating a plan for students who need additional support above what is offered in the classroom. They meet with the student and assess, then they employ strategies such as extra teacher hours, peer tutoring, executive functioning, and organizational support. 

Our dean of students, Kate M. Cales, has a Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish and Political Science from Texas State University and holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Texas. Ms. Cales joins BASIS Independent as the Dean of Students after over 16 years in classroom teaching and school mentorship positions. She cannot wait to help shape a culture that balances high standards with a sense of fun. 

We had an opportunity to talk with Ms. Cales about herself and about the importance of having impactful student services at an independent school.  

Ms. Cales, why did you choose to join the BASIS Independent Bothell leadership team? 

As a lover of language and people, I chose BASIS Independent because its strong academic framework balances high rigor with plenty of space for creativity, creating the best environment for learning. 

As the “Dean of Students”, what do you really do? 

This is a loaded question! I’ll simplify it the best I can. 

Behavior support — All students are expected to show respect, but getting along with everyone every day is tough.  I support teachers by working with students who have made poor choices or who are having a bad day.  

Social emotional learning curriculum expert — Research shows that “SEL develops skills that help us be successful in all parts of our lives—like communicating effectively, setting goals, staying motivated, and making decisions that benefit ourselves and others. With these skills, we can build healthy relationships, succeed in schools and workplaces, and contribute to our communities (CASEL-5).”  I will help teachers and students incorporate social emotional learning into our everyday selves.  

Academic support — A huge part of the student affairs team’s job overall is working with students on their learning goals, study techniques, organization, motivation, and overall identity as a scholar.  I will meet with students who are not meeting their learning goals in different classes, to lend support and add to their scholar toolbox. 

What is your educational background? 

My work in education has taken me all over the world. At the start of my career, I was a lead teacher in a Spanish language classroom for 3–5-year-olds with special needs. This position spurred my pursuit of a M.Ed., in Early Childhood Special Education, which I completed in 2012 shortly before beginning a Kindergarten teaching position at a first-class independent school in Shanghai, China. 

In addition to a generalist certification and a SPED certification, I have a bilingual teaching endorsement. I also have experience leading IEP meetings, setting and implementing goals, in Spanish. I love all language acquisition and am passionate about a linguistically diverse and culturally sensitive community for learning, believing that it makes for a rich international learning experience. 

What things have you learned in your career that you are planning on bringing over to BASIS Independent Bothell? 

Working in public schools, private schools and international schools, I am familiar with many learning frameworks including the Reggio-Emilia approach, and PYP, which have inspired much of my classroom work over my career. I have many interests in early literacy development, and I have served as a mentor teacher for the School Literacy and Culture courses I took through Rice University in Houston. Supporting kids with access to rich language experiences (in any language) fosters their play skills which aids in their self-regulation, language acquisition, problem solving and sense of self. 

What have your roles as a mentor included?  

In my time in the classroom, I have coached and mentored student teachers, paraprofessional staff and other colleagues. I’ve presented research-based information on play and early childhood literacy at the NWAIS conference 2023. In each school placement, I have regularly served on committees for employee welfare, accreditation and facilities. In 15 years in education I have recruited volunteers, planned events and assemblies, assisted in onboarding and have led my peers. I love contributing to a thriving school and look forward to serving in a leadership capacity at BASIS. 

What are you most excited about in the next year? 

Schools are vibrant, living things, and I’m excited to help nurture that spirit at BASIS Independent Bothell. 

What inspires you or excites you about working in education? 

Watching students grow will always be exciting. In the early literacy years, I love seeing children go from piecing together bits of language to reading fluently — and then again when they shift from learning to read to reading to learn. 

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