It is rare to find an educator who so seamlessly blends instructional expertise with relational strength, leadership, and a vision for continuous improvement. Sara is more than deserving of earning the Elementary School Educator of the month. She serves as a model for what education can and should be at Hayden Meadows Elementary School.
The 5th Grade teacher exemplifies what it means to be an educator who not only embraces change but leads it with grace, purpose and innovation. A positive and approachable presence in our school community, Sara has earned the admiration and respect of students, colleagues, and families alike.
A true leader among peers, Sara is at the forefront of instructional best practices. She has paved the way for the use of proficiency scales in the classroom, not only writing and refining them, but also modeling their implementation for others. Her willingness to open her classroom for district filming of these practices speaks to both her transparency and confidence in student-centered learning.
Committed to empowering students, Sara actively promotes student empowerment by setting individual goals with learners and guiding them to take ownership of their growth. This approach not only boosts academic achievement but also nurtures lifelong learning skills.
Beyond the classroom, Sara is a cornerstone of collaboration. She consistently leads team efforts, ensuring that instructional planning is cohesive, data-driven, and focused on student success. Her dedication to families is equally impressive, as she goes above and beyond to communicate effectively and build strong partnerships with parents.
Sara's influence extends beyond our school. As a member of the Idaho ISAT Review Team for both ELA and Math, she contributed to statewide assessment development, bringing a classroom lens to high-level decision-making. Furthermore, she recently secured a grant to implement Mystery Science, further enriching the curriculum and sparking curiosity in students.