(Salem, Ore.)
The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators has named Kelly Devlin, Director of Multilingual Programs and Equity for the David Douglas School District, the recipient of the 2023 COSA Leadership Impact Award for her dedication and service to Multilingual students and families. Devlin was presented with the award at the COSA Multilingual & English Learner Conference in Eugene, Oregon on March 10th.
 
Devlin began her career in California and was hired by the David Douglas School District in 1995 where she taught kindergarten through 5th grades. She later became a teacher leader, instructional coach, and in 2014, the Director of Multilingual Programs and Equity.  No matter her role, she has been an advocate for students and families. In her current position as Director, Kelly has been an advocate for the needs of multilingual students and families and has worked to close opportunity and achievement gaps for students across all demographic groups.
 
“Passion, dedication, service, and leadership are just a few of Kelly Devlin's amazing qualities,” said David Douglas Superintendent, Ken Richardson. “I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to work side by side with Kelly to serve our students, staff, and community. Her care for students, families, and colleagues is unmatched, and her natural ability to connect with others is truly contagious.”  The David Douglas staff know Kelly to be collaborative, supportive, and inclusive, one who walks alongside her team members so they don’t have to face difficult challenges alone.
 
“Kodomono Tame Ni means ‘for the sake of our children.’ My mother engraved this Japanese quote inside a bracelet she gifted me,” said Devlin when reflecting on the importance of meeting the needs of multilingual students and families.  “As educational professionals, we strive to become the extended family to teach, to ensure, and to advocate that we are doing all that we can, every day, to elevate the minds, hearts, and dreams of our multicultural and multilingual children.”

Devlin’s leadership has extended beyond her school district.  Over the last 10 years, she has invited colleagues across the state who serve multilingual students and families into monthly conversations about improving outcomes for students and advancing the field of multilingual learning and English Language Development. “Kelly has demonstrated a career of service to students and families and her advocacy for multilingual and culturally responsive education has had a broad impact in the state of Oregon,” said Craig Hawkins, Executive Director of COSA. “She is truly deserving of recognition, and COSA is honored that Kelly is the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Impact Award.” Devlin will be recognized at the COSA Annual Conference in Seaside, Oregon in June.