Kate Horst

Kate Horst joined the Collaborative Classroom Board of Trustees in November 2024 after serving as a senior advisor to the organization. Previously Kate held the role of Executive Director of FluentSeeds before its 2024 merger with Collaborative Classroom. 

Kate is the author of the FluentSeeds ©SEEDS of Learning professional learning framework that includes Parenting, Family Child Care, Infants and Toddlers, Pre-to-Kindergarten School Readiness, and Relationship-Based Coaching. She first created the SEEDS of Learning model more than 30 years ago through a collaboration with the University of Minnesota and involvement in the Minnesota Early Literacy Training Project.

SEEDS of Learning professional learning and materials reflect Kate’s knowledge and understanding of quality interactions, brain science, and social and emotional learning.

Kate’s work has been rigorously evaluated through randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies conducted by the Center for Early Education and NORC at the University of Chicago. All studies show SEEDS has a significant impact on children’s school readiness, social and emotional development, and adult educator confidence. 

Kate Horst holds a degree in elementary and early childhood education from The College of St. Teresa, an all-women’s college, which gave her the opportunity to engage in highly collaborative learning and build the confidence and skills to speak up for those most in need and often underrepresented. She holds a license in Adult and Parent Education from the University of Minnesota and a certificate in coaching from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota.

Read an interview with Kate Horst.