Excited and humbled.

Photo: Contributed

That's the reaction from Raquel Steen, École KLO Middle School principal upon learning she's been named one of Canada's outstanding principals by The Learning Partnership.

"Very proud to be a part of our education system in Canada. I think we have one of the best education systems in the world," said Steen upon learning of the honour.

"People look to us as models, and it's just amazing to be a part of that and to be recognized for the work that my entire staff and school community does for the students at KLO."

Steen became vice-principal at KLO in 2007 before assuming the principal's role in July 2010.

She has spent 25 years in the education system, including two international teaching assignments and one year in Saskatchewan.

Steen joined the Central Okanagan School District in September of 1995 as a French
Immersion teacher at Kelowna Secondary School.

“Raquel Steen is a most worthy recipient of this award, which acknowledges her outstanding leadership in our schools. To be selected amongst only 40 school leaders being recognized throughout the nation is a great tribute to her leadership," said School District 23 Supt. Hugh Gloster.

Steen was nominated by Jamie Robinson, a recipient of the award while a principal himself at Glenrosa Middle School. Robinson is currently district principal in charge of the instructional leadership team.

The Learning Partnership wrote of Steen:

"Capitalizing on her experience of teaching students from Grade 1 to adult learners, Raquel has created an effective learning environment and a culture focused on excellence at École KLO Middle School. She created multiple leadership opportunities for students and now one-third of them are part of these programs. The percentage of aboriginal students meeting or exceeding the standard on district writing assessments has increased from 72 to 84 per cent. To ease anxiety among Grade 8 students, Raquel designed an exposition project to design interactive stations that represent aspects of middle school success. Raquel regularly shares her expertise in team building, school culture and facilitation training, with colleagues at a district, province and national level. As one supporter wrote, Raquel 'positively impacts the lives of every student in her school community and beyond.'"

The education system in the province has taken a beating of late, much of that surrounding the recent labour dispute that shut down the school system for weeks.

Steen believes the criticism is unfounded.

"If we continue to put students first, then good things will happen and our Canadian students will be prepared to be incredible citizens that are going to contribute to the world," said Steen. "I think we do a really amazing job of that in spite of all the things that happen politically. The students still remain the most important part of why we do what we do."

Steen and the other 39 winners from across the country will inducted into the National Academy of Principals at a gala dinner in Toronto and attend a weeklong executive leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management at the end of February.