In her 27 years at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Ms. Kathy Van Liefde has served as a math teacher and, in her current capacity, as a guidance counselor. In all her responsibilities, she has maintained a positive attitude and a focus on her students’ well-being.

“My goal as an educator is to empower and support students,” Ms. Van Liefde said. “One of the best compliments I received as a teacher was when a student in Algebra 2 Honors told me the class taught him how to learn; it felt wonderful to be a part of his educational journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with the students I have had the privilege of teaching or having as a counselee.”

Assistant Principal for Academics, Mr. Colin O’Connor ’04, has known Ms. Van Liefde through most of her long tenure as her a student and as a colleague.

 “[Ms. Van Liefde] was my Algebra 2 Honors teacher in my sophomore year, so I have known her for a long time,” Mr. O’Connor said. “And then, when I came back to join the faculty, I got to know her as a colleague and worked with her to support students that I had in the classroom that were struggling and on her caseload.”

Ms. Van Liefde has helped to support and educate many students by following her philosophy of positivity and care. She hopes that what she did made a difference in Jesuit students’ lives, and that maybe this help will inspire them to be kinder to one another.

“Life is challenging and I hope I was able to provide support and encouragement to the students that crossed my path,” Ms. Van Liefde said. “Along with that [also] some joy, laughter, little bits of wisdom, and the magic of math. If that is a legacy, then that is what I would like to be remembered for. I also feel strongly about being kind to others. Often, people see kindness as a weakness, and I want to challenge people about this because it is a choice.”

One of Ms. Van Liefde’s counselees, James Randall ’24, meets regularly with her to discuss colleges and post-Jesuit plans and has always found her very helpful and responsive to his questions.

“I will schedule appointments with her outside of the mandatory ones and she is always really energetic when I show up,” James said. “It’s great, she is very energetic and I like being around her a lot. Whenever I have some college questions, I can always shoot her an email and she will respond quickly.” 

Mr. O’Connor knows Ms. Van Liefde to be a great teacher and coworker, who he hopes will lead a good life after her retirement.

“She has always proven to be just such a kind, warm, welcoming and genuine person,” Mr. O’Connor said. “I am so excited for her and she deserves everything that she is going to do in her retirement.”

Ms. Van Liefde wanted to emphasize to our community how much she believes in the messages that Jesuit High School gives to its students and the community at large, as well as thank all of the other teachers and staff she has worked with over the years.

“I am constantly amazed by the creativity and intelligence of the people I work with every day,” Ms. Van Liefde said. “I was drawn to [Jesuit] because of its mission. Being mindful, seeing God in all things, dedication to service, and being loving and open to growth are excellent foundations for life.”