ABOUT

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

– Maya Angelou
Sarah N. has one son, Emmett, plus six nieces and nephews.

Becoming an educator was a very logical choice. I loved being in school as a child, and I still love learning new things today. I strive to share that passion for learning with people of all ages. I chose art education, because I believe the fine arts are an elemental embodiment of the human spirit. The arts are unique because they allow everyone to express their personal voice, yet at the same time, speak a language known to all.

I believe visual art instruction is a vital component of every learner’s core education. In an era when academic achievement is more likely measured by the marks on a bubble sheet than the marks on a canvas, I know that our young scholars are capable and deserving of so much more. We know that high quality visual arts experiences cultivate creative expression, innovative thinking, problem solving, and social-emotional learning. I also know that you are never to old to start making art.

It is my mission as an instructional leader in the profession to advocate for the advancement of arts education and to increase access for all learners. Creativity fuels the future, and artists possess essential skills we will need to advance. And even if you do not pursue a career the arts, it is my sincere hope that you continue make art for your heart.

EDUCATION

Towson University – Towson, Maryland
Master of Education in Art Education

The Pennsylvania State University – University Park, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Art Education, Art History minor, and studio emphasis in Ceramics

TEACHING CERTIFICATION

Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate, Visual Art, K – 12

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Harford County Public Schools

Middle School Art Teacher

Swan Creek School

Montgomery County Public Schools (2002-2021)

PK-12 Fine Arts Content Specialist

Curriculum & Instructional Programs

  • Developed and supported implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in elementary and secondary visual art, theatre, and dance
  • Designed professional development and school support for PK-12 art, theatre, and dance teachers and Fine Arts Resource Teachers to support systemwide goals and initiatives such as planning for powerful instruction, evidence of learning, and cultural competency
  • Coached teachers and modeled instruction planned to mastery with an emphasis on clear  objectives, differentiated instructional strategies, and establishing criteria for success to collect and analyze data
  • Coordinated countywide visual art exhibitions and performing arts events to showcase student achievement in all MCPS schools

Elementary Art Teacher

Maryvale Elementary School, Rockville, MD

Wyngate Elementary School, Bethesda, MD

  • Designed, implemented and assessed instructional units in alignment with curricular objectives and differentiated to meet the needs of diverse learners
  • Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary curricular connections
  • Initiated and organized school-wide Youth Art Month events including an art show to increase community engagement
  • Exhibited student work in local, state, and national venues to recognize student achievement

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Curriculum Development & Implementation

  • Collaborated with the Maryland State Department of Education’s Fine Arts Office to revise Maryland Visual Art Standards
  • Managed multiple curricula writing teams in the development of curriculum frameworks, instructional guides, and scope and sequence documents for PreK – 12 visual art, theatre, and dance
  • Planned and facilitated required curriculum rollout training
  • Collaborated with Special Education Specialists to design professional development for PreK – 12 fine arts teachers who are instructing students with alternative learning outcomes

Grading & Reporting

  • Collaborated with colleagues to design and implement a standards-based elementary report card 
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop standards-based rubrics, formative, and summative assessments used districtwide
  • Developed and facilitated standards-based grading and reporting training for elementary art teachers
  • Reviewed and revised core assessment practices in art, theatre, and dance to align with new curriculum standards and evidence of learning framework expectations

Program Development & School Support

  • Observed and provided feedback to teachers based on principal requests
  • Planned and facilitated monthly meetings to support Fine Arts Resource Teachers
  • Coordinated annual countywide Elementary, Middle, and High School visual art exhibitions
  • Facilitated the application process for the Visual Art Center, an MCPS magnet program
  • Coordinated the annual MCPS Theatre Festival to engage hundreds of secondary students in authentic learning opportunities that developed skills and explored the various pathways theatre offers as a potential career choice
  • Coordinated the MCPS Dance Showcase to support and strengthen secondary dance programs
  • Initiated an All-County Dance Ensemble to recognize students who thrive in dance class and exemplify their school’s instructional program
  • Coordinated the Superintendent’s Fine Arts Gala to recognize outstanding achievements of high school seniors in the visual and performing arts
  • Supported community partnerships to facilitate programs such as Think Big Café, ArtSpeak! and Understanding Diversity through the Arts

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

School Leadership & Community Engagement

  • Served on instructional leadership teams as both Arts Team Leader (2005, 2011-14) and Elected Faculty Rep (2007)
  • Initiated a school-wide behavior management program and facilitated staff training and implementation
  • Collaborated with art teachers and museum staff to initiate the family program Project: Quality Time
  • Collaborated with PTA to organize and write grants for Cultural Arts and Artist in Residence programs
  • Served as Student Government Association (SGA) sponsor
  • Utilized technology and social media to communicate with parents and the school community
  • Received Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education Distinguished Service Award (2019)

Recruiting & Retaining Highly Qualified Arts Teachers

  • Modeled instructional strategies for teachers during peer visits
  • Completed professional development trainings:  Observing and Analyzing Teaching 1 (2015) and Mentoring the New Teacher (2007)
  • Mentored student interns from the University of Maryland
  • Conducted mock interviews with preservice art teachers at Maryland Institute College of Art, Towson University, and University of Maryland
  • Conducted MCPS HR screening interviews and portfolio reviews for art, theatre, and dance candidates
  • Designed and facilitated New Educator Orientation training for visual art, theatre, and dance teachers new to MCPS
  • Planned monthly meetings to provide ongoing support and training for art teachers new to MCPS
  • Provided instructional support to new and underperforming educators through collaborative planning and modeling instructional strategies
  • Planned and facilitated professional development workshops on various topics including contemporary art education practices and creating digital portfolios

Maryland Art Education Association

  • MAEA President November 2018 – October 2020
  • Held several leadership positions on the MAEA State Council – Elementary Division Director, Secretary, Vice President of Communications, Conference Committee, Historian, and Parliamentarian
  • Presented at multiple state conferences and coordinated the 2019 conference
  • Published several MAEA Gazette articles: New Year…New Beginnings, Only the Lonely, Searching for Creativity, Marigolds Grow in Maryland
  • MAEA Award: 2005 Montgomery County New Art Educator of the Year
  • MAEA Award: 2010 Maryland Elementary Art Educator of the Year

National Art Education Association

  • Selected to represent Maryland at the annual Delegates Assembly (2017, 2018)
  • Presented at the National Art Education Association Convention (2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018)
  • Invited to write for NAEA online blog:  Monthly Mentor (November 2012)
  • Co-Chaired the Eastern Region Leadership Conference in Baltimore (2017)
  • Attended NAEA The Artistry of Leadership Summer Conference (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)
  • NAEA Award:  2012 Eastern Region Elementary Art Educator
  • NAEA Award: Maryland Art Educator 2015

Montgomery County Education Association

  • Served on the 2020 impact bargaining team to negotiate working conditions for the pandemic recovery plan
  • Elected Elementary Art Representative on the Council of Teaching and Learning
  • Served as Co-Chair of the MCPS-MCEA Art Collaboration Committee
  • Participated in a joint workgroup on elementary scheduling and planning time
  • Selected as a Teacher Ambassador to NEA/MCEA Montgomery Institute
  • Developed and facilitated the Fine Arts Leadership Institute
  • Founding member of the MCEA Fine Arts Caucus
  • Participated in National Education Association’s Raise Your Hand: Empowered Educators Day (2014)