Celebrating Influential Women in the Langley School District
March 8, 2022
Every day staff of the Langley School District work behind the scenes to make our workplaces and our classrooms an innovative, inspiring, and unified learning community. For International Women’s Day 2022, we spoke with some of the influential women in our District who showcase SD35’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, and Community. They are great leaders and role models to all in our District!
Kathy Keyworth
District Principal — Learning Support Services
What’s your job at the school District?
I am a District Principal of Learning Support Services. My responsibilities include supporting our District Learning Support Services team and working collaboratively with school teams, families, and community partners to create compassionate and inclusive learning communities for all students.
In brief, tell us about your career journey.
I began my career as a secondary English teacher, but quickly realized that I had a passion for Learning Support Services as well. I’ve been teacher, department head, District Integration Teacher and District Vice-Principal before becoming a District Principal. I’ve also worked with the Ministry of Education in all aspects of Provincial Exams — from development to marking. I’ve led provincial marking sessions and currently provide support as the E Coordinator for Graduation Assessments.
Tell us a time, when you really feel you made a difference in the District.
One time where I really made a difference was leading the District in the implementation of Competency-based IEPs. By developing IEPs that focus on student’s strengths, we create many opportunities for learning, belonging, and true inclusion. It’s so powerful to hear from students, families, and colleagues about how meaningful the IEPs are and how they represent what students can do.
What advice do you have for young women looking into future career opportunities?
Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you, too. Keep track of your accomplishments and don’t be embarrassed to share them. Think of yourself as a lifelong learner. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Jennifer Koehler
Vice-Principal — RE Mountain Secondary
What’s your job at the school District?
I love my job as Vice-Principal at RE Mountain Secondary School.
In brief, tell us about your career journey.
Before taking the leap into administration in 2019, I taught English in Surrey for almost twenty-five years. While I loved teaching and will still quote a poet to illustrate a point, being a VP has given me the freedom to grow into an agent for change in education.
Tell us a time, when you really feel you made a difference in the District.
As a life-long anti-racist, leading the District’s Anti-racism Book Club gave me an opportunity to make a difference by focusing our learning around a powerful text: Ijeoma Olou’s “So You Want To Talk About Race”. There is a huge appetite for learning in Langley, and I’m glad to continue this critical work.
What advice do you have for young women looking into future career opportunities?
Maya Angelou said it best: “Each time a woman stands up for herself…she stands up for all women.” Be an example of a strong, powerful, confident woman. In your career, demand what you deserve and amplify the voices of women and girls around you, celebrating their successes often.
Lisa Lainchbury
Assistant-Superintendent
What’s your job at the school District?
I am an Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Langley School District. My role includes overseeing and supporting schools and their staffs, as well as leadership in the Instructional Services department where I am responsible for K-7 Curriculum, Early Learning, and Childcare. I love coming to work each day, honoured to be working on an incredible team, and am so grateful that I am part of this District that focuses on inspiring learners to reach their full potential.
In brief, tell us about your career journey.
I began my career as a Grade 2 Classroom and Music/Choral teacher. After 14 years, I became a Vice-Principal at a Grade 6-12 school, then became Principal of a K-5 school until I joined the Langley School District, 3 years later. I was Principal of James Kennedy Elementary, and after 3 more years as a school administrator, I moved into a district role. Over 1.5 years I was District Principal of Early Learning and Safe Schools, and District Principal of Instructional Services. I have been in my recent role as Assistant Superintendent since January 2022.
Tell us a time, when you really feel you made a difference in the District.
One of the most rewarding and impactful processes that I have experienced is leading a team of colleagues and community partners to the creation of our SD35 Early Learning Vision and Belief Statements. Through reflection, dialogue, and collaboration we worked together to articulate beliefs that we all hold in common and reflect SD35’s values. We continue to use this Vision as a compass for decision making, always striving to create “A learning community that inspires curiosity, discovery and belonging to honour all children and how they naturally learn.”
What advice do you have for young women looking into future career opportunities?
Believe that you are capable, stay true to yourself through your process, and support other young women on their journey. Encourage, empower, uplift, and celebrate others while also doing the same for yourself.
Diane Smillie
Principal — DW Poppy Secondary
What’s your job at the school District?
I am the Principal of DW Poppy Secondary School. I oversee 760 students from grade 8 to 12 and 90 staff members. I work collaboratively with school and community groups to implement Poppy’s Action Plan that inspires our learners to reach their full potential. Some of the areas of my responsibilities includes: budget, staffing, learning resources, supervision of instruction and I liaise with a variety of committees.
In brief, tell us about your career journey.
I began my teaching career in Langley with both Secondary and Middle School experiences. I enjoyed the opportunities as Instructional Lead, Department Head, World Views Lead, Continuing Education, and Vice-Principal at Middle and Secondary Schools in Langley, until my current role as Principal at DW Poppy Secondary School.
Tell us a time, when you really feel you made a difference in the District.
I feel that I make the biggest difference by observing where the needs are and creating a path for people to be successful. As a classroom teacher, it was the understanding of designing curriculum that inspired students to engage and feel good about their accomplishments. As an administrator it is working in collaboration and creating opportunities for others to feel successful.
What advice do you have for young women looking into future career opportunities?
Know that you can create your own path when it is right for you. Know what your values are, always be grateful and believe that you deserve to be at the table. Be humble, yet skilled and lead with humanity. Support others along the way rather than be in competition and trust your instincts. You are not an expert at everything so network well and have people you can call. Finally, life is about balance, nurture yourself as you do others.