Karen Dudley

About Karen Dudley

Karen Dudley assumed duty as Director: Curriculum Development (General Education and Training) Grades ECD to Grade 9 on 1 July 2017. Karen Dudley has served education within the WCED for a period of 35 years in numerous capacities. Prior to her appointment as Director: Curriculum Development (GET), she was Head: Curriculum Coordination and Advice in Metro Central. Prior to being Head Curriculum Manager at Metro Central, she Headed Assessment and Examinations in Metro South Education Districts from Gr R – 12. Karen Dudley also served as a Languages Subject Adviser in Metro South from Grades 4 – 9.

She has a B.A degree from UWC, A degree in Specialised Education from UNISA, Honours Degree from Stellenbosch University and a master’s degree in Language across the Curriculum in Content-Based Language, Learning & Teaching from University of Pennsylvania. She enjoys outdoors, sightseeing and sport, in particular volleyball. “I used to play and coach the South African ladies’ team for 18 years and represented South Africa at international sporting events such as the All Africa Games, World Cup Championships both indoor and Beach Volleyball.” Other interests include travelling, reading and spending quality time with her partner and children.

On 3 September 2020, the following resolution was adopted in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament upon a motion moved by Ms LJ Botha, Chairperson - Standing Committee on Education: “That the House – congratulates Ms Karen Dudley for being selected to form part of the Mail & Guardian Powerful Women list for 2020; commends the transformative work done by Ms Dudley in her role at the Western Cape Education Department as the Director of Education for Early Childhood Development until Grade 9; and notes that the award list is truly a testimony of the excellent and tireless work done by women in our country.

In 2020, Ms Dudley was recognized and received the award as one of Mail & Guardian’s Powerful Women for 2020. Her vision is to constantly focus on the improvement of the learning and teaching environment as well as the outcomes achieved inclusive of teachers and learners; to pursue knowledge of best practices, differentiated learning, current educational theory and accurately measuring and analysing data to improve learning and teaching; and to build strong and respectful relationships of trust and support with the eight districts and the schools within these districts. She notes the importance of STEAMAC – A for the Arts and Arts Education as part of the holistic development of the learner. Ms. Dudley’s purpose is to forge good relations with the 8 Districts, the HEIs, NGOs and all other education partners.

Ms Dudley’s strategic plan and vision as Director of GET is to ensure all children are literate, numerate and enjoy the experience. One of her favorite quotes as she and her team endeavor to do this is:“Don’t tell me the sky is the limit, when there are footprints on the moon!”