Kathleen M. Arleth

Kathleen M. Arleth, is a retired public school educator who taught for almost 20 years in the preschool disabilities class in Somers Point, New Jersey. She earned her Master’s Degree from Georgian Court College (now University) in Special Education/Early Childhood. She began her journey with The Reggio Emilia approach in 1997, studying the philosophy and practices of the Reggio approach for and with her young students. For her Master’s Degree project, Kathy organized a networking conference at Georgian Court College that brought early childhood educators interested in the Reggio Emilia approach from all over the state. This networking experience as well as participation in the Study Tour in 2000 & an International Conference in Reggio Emilia in 2004, created a desire to raise awareness and promote this philosophy and practice in New Jersey. These goals were shared with several other educators, who then, in March 2003, organized the New Jersey Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia, Inc. Kathy served as the Secretary of NJEEPRE from its beginning until July 2010. Kathy also served as the Chair of NJEEPRE; concentrating on its mission of providing opportunities for professional development of early childhood educators in a variety of settings.

Kathy resides in Somers Point, NJ and is active in community projects while promoting her art profession through exhibits at her bayfront home and art gallery. Her family includes her husband, three daughters in the teaching profession and nine grandchildren who provide her with many opportunities to engage in exciting projects and adventures.