Posted April 3, 2023
Hello, Bear Valley Community!
My name is Rachael Sutherland, and I am incredibly honored to be the new principal of Bear Valley International School. Our school is in need of a committed leader who will put in years of hard work with students and staff to get us back on track to being the school of choice in Southwest Denver. I have been in education since 2005 with the past twelve years teaching and leading at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College. I have been an assistant principal for 7 years over the middle school at DMLK, and I am ready and excited to lead BVIS.
I believe at the heart of a school are students, staff, and parents who feel appreciated and heard by the administrative team. I am prepared to take on Bear Valley with great care and trust that I will stick with this community that has experienced many shifts in leadership. Much of my first couple months will be spent listening and learning about what makes Bear Valley special, what is working, what traditions to uphold, and then deciding what needs to be changed starting next year to ensure students are happy, safe and making academic gains.
At the heart of what makes me most ready to lead BVIS is my love for middle school. Building relationships with students, making them feel empowered to be their best selves and proud of who they are is the best part of my job. It is important that I also build relationships with students’ families. You are sending your own to BVIS, and our partnership is key in your students’ success leading to high school.
Outside of work, my time is spent with my husband, Joe and our 2 year old, Crew. Crew made his first appearance at the band concert where he was given his first stuffed yeti and met several students and families. We enjoy the occasional trip to the mountains but spend most of our time in the neighborhood with family and friends.
I cannot wait for the journey that lies ahead at BVIS, and my door is always open for conversation and feedback.
~ Rachael
