Pima JTED - Transformational Innovative Learning

Pima JTED, as the proud recipient of the RCOT 2021 Centennial Grant, is providing transformational innovative learning opportunities through their new campus, the JTED Innovative Learning Center at The Bridges. Updates will be provided about the new campus, the new programs and why this project is so innovative as it relates to the student experience, how the project was funded and community partnerships as well as the economic and workforce development opportunities that Pima JTED provides.

Kathy Prather ~ Biography

Kathy Prather has served as the Superintendent/CEO of the Pima JTED since 2018. Prior to joining Pima JTED, she served as Director of Career and Technical Education for the Sunnyside Unified and Tucson Unified School Districts. Kathy's career in education has spanned 32 years in multiple locations across Arizona including Rough Rock High School, Prescott College, Northwest Pioneer College, Mohave Community College, Mohave High School, Colorado River Union High School District, Tucson Unified School District and Sunnyside Unified School District. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration-Management, a Master of Arts Degree in Vocational Technical Education, and multiple certifications from the Arizona Department of Education including Superintendent, Principal and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher.

Kathy Prather was recognized for her accomplishments in Career and Technical Education as the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona (ACTEAZ) 2011 Administrator of the Year and was awarded the 2016 ACTEAZ Lifetime Achievement Award. Kathy served on the Board of the National Council of Local Administrators (NCLA) from 2008-2015 as well as the Executive Board of the Arizona Council of Occupational and Vocational Administrators (ACOVA) from 2006-2014.

Kathy was instrumental in the passage of the Pima County Joint Technical Education District in Pima County in 2006. Prior to the JTED Proposition 400 item being listed on the ballot for residents in Pima County, she led community forums and made multiple presentations to business, industry and local school district governing boards. Passage of the Pima County JTED District continues to bring over $20 million dollars annually in supplemental funding for satellite and central CTE programs in Pima, Santa Cruz and Pinal Counties.

Kathy is a Tucson native and a graduate of Sabino High School. She is married to Brad, a retired teacher and has two grown children. In her spare time, she loves to travel and play golf.