Katherine “Kat” Eaker, who retired from CMS after teaching and working in central office, died July 8.

Kat spent more than 30 years in education, coming to CMS in 1989 as a high school English teacher. She taught at West Mecklenburg, Myers Park, Independence and West Charlotte high schools.

She became a talent development specialist in 2004, then the district leader for the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program until she retired in 2011.

“Kat Eaker was an extraordinary high school teacher and a great champion for students,” said Deputy Superintendent Ann Clark. “Her leadership of our AVID program allowed CMS to have one of the top AVID programs in the nation. She was tireless in her advocacy for students to have the opportunity to attend college well prepared.”

Eaker earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. A National Board-certified teacher, Eaker often provided professional development training in gifted education, cognitive coaching and other areas.

Her colleagues recall her as an inspirational instructor and a loving friend.

“Kat had an innate gift to move mountains in her classroom and I would often watch in awe,” said North Mecklenburg High teacher Kim Tuttle. “When Kat left the classroom and was promoted into her well-deserved central office position, she ‘gifted’ me with almost all of her activities and lessons. It was truly my very own Christmas, and I still use her activities today.”

Eaker is survived by her husband Richard, daughter Katherine, also a CMS teacher, son-in-law Bruce and granddaughter Katherine.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. July 21 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte at 234 Sharon Amity Road.