By Ethan Walshe
Editor-in-Chief
Following the retirement of Anita Goldberg at the end of November, English teacher Janet Keirstead has assumed the position of interim Curriculum Coordinator of English for grades six through twelve. This follows Keirstead’s many years of teaching experience, fifteen of which have been spent at Westford Academy.
Keirstead’s decision to apply for this position was not made overnight. It required extensive forethought and which eventually culminated in her realization that good leadership is paramount in this kind of position. She believes that it is important to have someone as Curriculum Coordinator that understands what teachers experience on a day-to-day basis.
“It seemed as though this was the right time. While I still love teaching, I want to be able to help the teachers, because that helps more students. While I love helping the 100 to 120 students that I get every year, I want to be able to reach more people,” said Keirstead.
The previous Curriculum Coordinator for English Anita Goldberg believes that Keirstead will make a fine successor.
“I think she’s well prepared. She’s been here for fifteen years. I think she’s probably one of the most senior members of the department, and I think that will make for a really smooth transition,” said Goldberg.
A few years ago, Keirstead worked as an intricate part of the development of a writing handbook for WA English classes. She realized that a leadership position in the department may be the next step for her. When the handbook was a success, it served as evidence that she could be good at the job.
This was supplemented by her experience with social studies teacher Chris Connole as co-chairs of the Missions and Expectations Committee when NEASC inspected WA in 2009.
When the job listing was posted, Keirstead began her application process, which included four essays, three letters of recommendation, and a few interviews.
The entire process was analogous to the college application process that many seniors are currently undertaking, including her AP English Literature students.
“It was almost comical because I was listening to what my AP seniors were talking about, and in my head saying ‘I have so much more of an understanding of what you’re going through right now,’” said Keirstead.
When she was called in for her first interview, she was answering a panel of ten people, which included the three principals of WA, Stony Brook, and Blanchard, three teachers, one from each of the aforementioned schools, three current Curriculum Coordinators, and Assistant Superintendent Christine Francis. Her second interview was with Dr. Francis and Superintendent Bill Olsen before being told that she got the job.
Accepting the position did not come without sacrifices, however. Because Curriculum Coordinators only teach two classes, Keirstead has been forced to give up three of the classes she was given at the beginning of the year.
“I learn so much from the students that I teach that it breaks my heart a little bit to be leaving the classroom,” said Keirstead.
Because this is technically an interim position, Keirstead is not guaranteed to be the Curriculum Coordinator next fall. Her hope is that she will “do such a good job” that she will be able to discuss it in any further interviews to secure the position in the long term.
Though she will be in and out of meetings for much of her time as Curriculum Coordinator, Keirstead has made sure that she will not forget her roots.
“I will always be English teacher Janet Keirstead. Curriculum Coordinator is important, but it’s only part of who I am,” said Keirstead.
