Hi, I’m Kate.
Philadelphia based educator
Cultivating curiosity through science, storytelling, and hands-on learning
Designing joyful, inquiry-driven learning experiences.
About Me
I’m Kate Henderson, an educator, researcher, and writer. In my teaching, I prioritize curiosity, creativity, and hands-on exploration as ways for students to build confidence in themselves and their ideas.
I have experience teaching phonics, reading, writing, math, and poetry. I aim to create classroom spaces where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and learning collaboratively.
I’m especially interested in project-based learning, science identity, and creative approaches to STEM education. I’m currently pursuing an M.S.Ed. in Learning Sciences and Technologies at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education while continuing to teach and conduct research centered on meaningful, student-driven learning.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy writing poems and essays, distance running, and searching for my next great book or baking experiment. I love spending time outdoors, taking photos with my film camera, and noticing the small details that often inspire both my writing and teaching.
Experience
With backgrounds in biology, public health, and learning sciences, I design experiences that encourage immersive engagement through inquiry, experimentation, storytelling, and reflection. Whether I’m teaching in an elementary classroom, leading poetry workshops, or developing learning materials, I care deeply about creating spaces where learners feel empowered to ask questions, take intellectual risks, and build confidence in their own ideas.
Design of Learning Environments (with AI) Projects
Using the AI4K12 framework, I created an early childhood AI literacy book, an unplugged AI literacy card game, and redesigned a currently on the market embodied AI toy
Coursework Portfolio
Spring 2026
Design of Learning Environments Final Project
Developed a learning environment proposal connecting Philadelphia high school students with environmental research opportunities at Morris Arboretum & Gardens and the University of Pennsylvania
Research Assistantship with UPenn’s Center for Engineering and Mechanobiology (CEMB)
Created developmentally appropriate lesson plan materials (slides, investigations, worksheets, activities) for K-8 learners to learn about mechanobiology
Learning Sciences Past, Present, and Future
Researched how science museums foster critical thinking in elementary learners through a learning sciences perspective
View Fostering critical thinking in museums for elementary learners
Coursework Portfolio
Fall 2025
Master’s Foundations of Learning and Teaching
Addressed issues of assessment in early education with different learning theory lenses
View A Cognivist and Constructivist approach
Young Adult Media, Literature, and Culture
Analyzed and applied different literary theories and critical lenses to YA novels
Let’s connect!
Reach out via email for any research or education inquires and questions
