Sarah joins the Center after a 13-year career as an English teacher at Danville District 118 and a Reading teacher and Instructional Coach at Champaign Unit 4 Schools. She has taught at both the middle and high school level. A product of the University of Illinois, Sarah earned her B.A. in English and Secondary Education and her M.Ed. in Secondary and Continuing Education, and is currently a doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction with the College of Education. Sarah brings theoretical and applied expertise in the area of literacy instruction for students in grades 6-12, as well as experiential knowledge of designing and supporting the professional learning of educators from pre-service teacher education programs to current practitioners. Sarah’s work has been guided by a sincere belief in the power of all students and that the best work of teachers places students at the center of that work. Sarah also engages teachers in reflective inquiry as, together, they seek to understand research and theory and determine how best to use it in every day practice.