Principal – Johnston Heights Secondary

School District 36: Surrey

Canada:  British Columbia | North America

Susan Beyer is a deeply committed educational leader serving as a high school principal in the Surrey School District. With over two decades of experience as a teacher, counsellor, vice principal, and now principal, Susan’s leadership is grounded in mentorship, coaching, and transformative practice. Her approach is shaped by the interconnected values of the International Baccalaureate (IB), Indigenous worldviews, and the compassionate systems framework—each informing her belief that education is a sacred space for relational growth, reflection, and collective well-being.

As a former President of the Surrey Principals and Vice-Principals Association (SPVPA) and an active member of the British Columbia Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association (BCPVPA), Susan leads with curiosity and courage, fostering communities of practice that honour both professional excellence and emotional intelligence. Her work is animated by IB principles such as intercultural understanding, global citizenship, and lifelong learning, and she actively cultivates inclusive school cultures where students and staff feel seen, heard, and valued.

Susan’s leadership is also deeply informed by Indigenous teachings and her personal commitment to reconciliation. Though not Indigenous herself, she is learning Cree to honour her family and ancestors, and she strives to embody the principles of truth, respect, and relational accountability. She walks alongside Indigenous communities in humility and partnership, recognizing that education must be rooted in land, story, and spirit to truly transform.

Guided by the compassionate systems framework, Susan nurtures environments where empathy, systems thinking, and personal mastery converge. She believes that schools are not merely institutions, but living ecosystems of belonging, purpose, and connection. Her heart-centered leadership invites others to lead with integrity, listen deeply, and act with intention—for the good of all.