Kathy Deering is a retired educator, having taught both English and AVID at El Camino High School in the Oceanside Unified School District. She implemented AVID at El Camino in 1988. In 1991 she joined the staff of AVID Founder Mary Catherine Swanson at the San Diego County Office of Education, supporting AVID programs and professional development in San Diego County. As the program expanded, Mrs. Deering provided training for AVID Regional Directors and coordinated California Regional Directors, AVID National Demonstration Schools, AVID Summer Institute, and AVID Elementary, in addition to supporting schools in San Diego and northern California.
A founding staff member of AVID Center, Mrs. Deering served as Director of Program and Staff Development, which included development and implementation of regional training modules, as well as on-site training in northern California, Kentucky, and Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools in Germany, England, and the South Pacific.
Mrs. Deering returned to El Camino High School during her daughter’s school years, once again teaching English and AVID. After a brief retirement, she was called upon to provide support for AVID certification in five districts in San Diego North County. During her decade of support, her continued passion for AVID was nourished by educators and students who endeavored to succeed despite many challenges, including the pandemic.
Mrs. Deering earned BA and MA degrees, as well as a Standard Secondary Life Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. She lives in Carlsbad, California with her husband Bill and their corgi Ellie. She enjoys community service as a New Village Arts Advisory Board member, outdoor activities, and travel.
