Kathleen C. Greider has distinguished herself as an influential leader in American education. She currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for Farmington Public Schools in Connecticut, a position she has held with distinction for over 15 years. With a robust career spanning more than three decades – including roles as a teacher, principal and deputy superintendent – Kathleen is deeply committed to fostering educational excellence and innovation.

Her journey in educational leadership began in an urban setting where, as a principal, she transformed one of her district’s lowest performing schools into a beacon of academic success. Her dedication, however, came at a price. As a young principal and mother, she often worked late into the night – a practice she reevaluated feeling physically and mentally drained.

This experience led her to The Breakthrough Coach Program and to the implementation of TBC’s Fundamental Practices™, or as Kathleen likes to call it, “Transformational Balance and Coaching Principles.” The program not only revitalized her leadership approach, but also propelled her school to earn the prestigious National Blue-Ribbon status for significant improvements in academic outcomes.

As Superintendent, Kathleen continues to champion The Breakthrough Coach Program by making weekly visits to schools and classrooms to ensure that these values are embodied in every aspect of teaching and learning. In 2020, she earned the title of Connecticut Superintendent of the Year. Her visionary leadership, and implementation of student-led learning initiatives aligned with the district’s Vision of the Global Citizen, making her an unmatched candidate for the award.

Under her guidance, Farmington Public Schools has not only been consistently ranked among the top districts in Connecticut, but has also gained national recognition as a Harvard Deeper Learning District. This honor highlights the district’s commitment to fostering innovative, collaborative, and systemic improvements that provide all students with deep learning experiences from PreK-12. Kathleen’s unwavering dedication to educational leadership continues to shape the future of countless students, educators, and communities.