Sarah Head
Mount Airy,MD
Summary
Highly-skilled English Language Arts (ELA) Educator with 13+ years of experience in adolescent learning. Specialized in student engagement, culturally responsive teaching practices, and supporting diverse learners. Extensive leadership in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) alongside teaching career. Leadership roles included English Department Chair, Webmaster, curriculum writer, Equity Lead, adult course educator, and more. Dedicated professional with a Master's Degree in Educational Technology plus a Technology Integration Specialist Certification.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Educator
Fairfax County Public Schools, Edison High School
Alexandria, VA
01.2021 - 06.2024
- Facilitated meaningful and engaging learning opportunities for: Broadcast Journalism as well as English 9 and 10, including general education, English Language Learners, and Honors
- Designed 4+ original concept-based curriculum units for English 9 and 10.
- Supported students utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to result in consistently improved grades, attendance, and engagement.
- Conducted ongoing text set and assessment audits
- Increased school community through Broadcast Journalism segments, highlighting critical information and special segments (ie. events and cultural holidays)
- Utilized progressive technology including ChatGPT, Canva, WeVideo, Adobe, EdPuzzle, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Magic School, Snag-It, and Screencastify to support student learning and drive instruction.
- Collaborated with English department to: align new gradebook criteria with state Standards of Learning; determined common Quarterly goals; analyzed data to drive instruction; created and shared resources
- Advocated for increased vertical articulation between grade level CTs
- Collaborated with: administration, librarians, school-based leaders, counselors, Systems of Support Advisor (SOSA), MTSS cohort, parent liaison, students, and families to ensure student supports were equitable and nuanced
Webmaster
Twain Middle School & Edison High School
Alexandria, VA
08.2016 - 06.2024
- Managed school's website to highlight events, announcements, special news, and general site updates
- Monitored website performance to ensure optimal user experience.
- Collaborated with administration, school leadership, and Central Office personnel to ensure high-quality content and organization
- Ensured compliance with legal requirements related to district privacy policies and Section 504 compliance.
- Developed website content including text, images, videos and audio files.
- Utilized Adobe Dreamweaver to manage CSS stylesheets alongside HTML and other web technologies.
- Facilitated Twain Middle School's transition to Drupal, a robust content management system (CMS).
- Reviewed information and elements regularly on websites and pages for accuracy and functionality.
Curriculum Writer
Fairfax County Public Schools.
Alexandria, VA
06.2015 - 07.2023
- Selected to revise, manage, and create 10+ summer and in-school FCPS curriculum projects between 2015-2023
- Developed, wrote, and edited Grade 6-12 curriculum and resources for teachers and school-based staff
- Managed curriculum projects and at times, oversaw team of 5-8 to ensure goals and deadlines were met.
- Collaborated with curriculum team and Central Office personnel to create projects aligned with FCPS policies and best practices
- Facilitated workshops to introduce new curricula to school personnel
- Researched and synthesized best practices for teaching different grade levels and skill sets
- Created both online and in-person content
- Project topics included: Digital Citizenship- Morning News Toolkit; Culturally Responsive Curriculum Toolbox; Guidance for Celebration Months; Text Set Expansion of Concept-Based Units; Middle School English Language Arts Concept Based Curriculum Work; Middle School ELA District Assessments; Middle School Concept-based Units; Middle School Language Arts Planning and Pacing Guide; Blending Learning Toolkit
- Analyzed data from standardized tests to identify areas needing improvement.
Class Sponsor
Edison High School
Alexandria, VA
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborate with administration, student leadership, and a co-sponsor to create and facilitate ongoing fundraisers and events for Junior class
- Partnered with local businesses and neighboring schools to create fundraisers and special events
- Responsible for managing cash and check donations. Ensured purchase orders, fundraisers, and events were in compliance with FCPS regulations and policies
Equity Lead
Edison High School
Alexandria, VA
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with co-lead, administration, school leadership, county-based leaders, and student ambassadors to create learning opportunities for staff and students
- Attended FCPS professional development and utilized FCPS resources and content to create school-specific training
- Organized and facilitated school-wide training regarding equity and inclusion which received widespread positive feedback
- Conducted school news segments to increase transparency and improve student-teacher relationships regarding new school policies
- Provided guidance to individual students and staff regarding concerns related to equity and inclusion. Included reviewing school curriculum and texts to ensure content was diverse, inclusive, and accurate
- Utilized intentional frameworks to guide conversations and learning
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering positive and progressive relationships between staff, students, and leadership
Adult Course Educator
Fairfax County Public Schools
Alexandria, VA
08.2014 - 06.2023
- Serve as an adult educator to colleagues and teaching professionals in a variety of settings: in-person workshops, night classes, and county-wide inservices) as well as hybrid/remote.
- Created original course content and syllabus using FCPS frameworks and resources as well as outside research and culturally responsive practices.
- Emphasized equity, literacy, and blended learning. Specific course topics included: revising and maintaining diverse and inclusive text sets; recording and incorporating educational video content; creating concept-based curriculum; blended learning with student engagement model, hyperdocs, YouTube, and Google Workspace
- Adapted instructional methods according to the changing needs of the school district and best practices within educational pedagogy
- Audience Demographics: 10-40+ educators, Grades 6-12, a range of content matter experts including ELA, Math, Science, Health and Physical Education, and more.
Equity Cohort Member
Twain Middle School
Alexandria, VA
08.2016 - 06.2021
- Consulted with stakeholders when designing new policies or procedures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Attended ongoing professional development to discuss current and sensitive topics as well as review county-directed training
- Collaborated with school-based equity team to design school-specific instruction aligned with FCPS standards and regulations
- Created presentations on various aspects of cultural competence and inclusion, including reframing conversations, reducing discipline, and improving student-teacher relationships
- Facilitated school-wide book talks and navigated sensitive conversations as it related to Stamped, by Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X Kendi and For White Folks who Teach in the Hood, by Dr Christopher Emdin
English Department Chair
Twain Middle School
Alexandria, VA
08.2015 - 06.2021
- Supported team of 12+ ELA teachers in adhering to FCPS policies and regulations
- Collaborated with school and county leaders to ensure pacing and alignment with local, district, and national standards
- Discussed curriculum changes with department staff and principals to facilitate action plans. Noteable changes included: transitioning from genre-based to Concept-Based Curriculum (CBC), standards-based grading, text set audits, and the learner-centered student engagement model
- Analyzed and synthesized reports using academic data and information.
- Used multiple data points and anecdotal evidence to facilitate structured data dialogues regarding student achievement
- Increased vertical articulation between feeder schools/grade levels
- Attended ongoing FCPS trainings and workshops to support ELA team.
- Assisted with recruitment and interviewing of prospective ELA teachers
- Participated in meetings with other department chairs to discuss concerns, goals, and next steps
Middle School Educator
Twain Middle School
Alexandria, VA
08.2012 - 06.2021
- Instructed 7th Grade English education to include: Honors, General Education, and Team-Taught with English Language Learners and Special Education students
- Formed meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Created original curriculum designed to engage students with relevant and meaningful learning opportunities
- Utilized student and family feedback to improve instruction and materials
- Updated text selections and assessments to reflect student interests and identities. Emphasized inclusion of marginalized communities in lesson planning
- Emphasized collaboration within the classroom, including innovative collaborative essay writing
- Created, organized, and facilitated meaningful in-person and virtual interviews to connect students with local and global folx from diverse backgrounds and varied experiences
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team and Student Services (ie. counselors, social workers, psychologists, etc.) to utilize multiple data points, provide MTSS, celebrate student success, and plan cross-curricular content
- Provided guidance and advice to students and families on academic, behavioral, and social concerns
- Maintained engaging and progressive learning during COVID-19 pandemic, including remote and hybrid classes
- Logged over 300 non-contractual hours to create lessons, activities, assessments, and resources to support student learning during COVID-19 pandemic
Learning Innovation Team Lead
Twain Middle School
Alexandria, VA
08.2014 - 12.2020
- Supported all departments in blending technology developments with school and county-based initiatives
- Created school-wide literacy initiative to increase reading, writing, thinking and discussing across all core content and elective courses. Resources included common writing frameworks adapted for all content and grade levels
- Oversaw the implementation of innovative instructional models such as blended learning or project based learning into classrooms.
- Provided large and small-scale support to departments and individual teachers
- Utilized Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle to drive instruction and support
- Attended ongoing professional development aligned with county directives and goals
Middle School Educator
Shelby County Public Schools
Shelbyville, KY
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Instructed 8th Grade English education to include: Honors and General Education.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests
- Established clear objectives for all lesson plans to align with state standards
- Maintained accurate and complete student records as required by state laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
- Worked with mentors to develop strategies supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs
Education
Master of Educational Technology -
Boise State University
Boise, Idaho05-2018
And Technology Integration Specialist Certification -
Boise State University
Boise, ID05-2018
Bachelor’s Secondary Education -
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky01.2011
Associate of Art -
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, Kentucky01.2008
Skills
- Curriculum Development and Design
- Culturally Responsive Design Principles
- Educational leadership
- Serving Diverse Communities
- Adobe Photoshop, Drupal CMS, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Schoology, Student Information System (SIS), and various video-recording and editing platforms (WeVideo, Screencastify, Snag-it)
Professional Skill Building and Specialized Learning
- Equity Lead Institute: Learn, Liberate, Lead (2023)
- LGBTQ+ Perspectives Round Table (2023)
- How to be an Accomplice vs. an Ally to your Black Coworkers (AMA Baltimore Chapter, 2021)
- Reflections on Politics, Race, and Culture: Where We Are & Where We’re Going (Busboys and Poets, 2021)
- A New American Curriculum (National Book Foundation, 2020)
- Connecting Students with Engaging Texts in Secondary Language Arts (2020)
- Summer Institute on Education, Equity & Justice (SIEEJ) Virtual Conference (2020)
- Online Learning and Middle School ELs PD (2020)
- Twitter Chat: Equity and Cultural Responsiveness (2019)
- Secondary Language Arts Concept-Based Curriculum Training Session (2019)
- FCPS Cultural Proficiency Module I, II, III, IV, & V (2018-2020)
- Continuing Conversations about Equity: A Twitter Chat with Dena Simmons Ed.D. (2018)
- Leading Book Selection, Approval, and Instruction in Secondary Language Arts (2017)
- AVID Mentor Training (2017)
- Secondary Literacy Symposium, later renamed to Learning Innovation Team Symposium (2016-2021)
- MentorWorks School Staff Mentors (2013, 2017, 2018)
- Twain Academic Conversations Book Talk (2013, 2014, 2017, 2020)
- Google Apps for Educator Summit attendee (2012-2017)
References
- Mandy Burke, Principal, Fairfax County Public Schools, 703-924-8007, ajburke@fcps.edu
- Mary Beth Starkey, Department Administrator, Fairfax County Public Schools, 703-924-8031, mbstarkey@fcps.edu
- Meg Mascelli, Educational Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools, 571-423-4762, msmascelli@fcps.edu
- Sarah Mahan, Head Librarian, Fairfax County Public Schools, 703-924-8198, smmahan@fcps.edu
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the Year, Fairfax County Public Schools (2017)
- Washington Post and Virginia Teacher of the Year Nominee (2018)
- One of 8 selected from 133 applicants to serve on FCPS' Culturally Responsive Toolbox curriculum project team (2022)
- Played a pivotal role as a member of the 2019 FCPS ELA curriculum team, facilitating a significant shift to a concept-based curriculum and establishing its foundational framework.
- FCPS' Best Middle School Website (2018)
- Conducted school website's successful transition to new Content Management System, Drupal (2017)
- Guest Speaker at FCPS New Teacher Induction Program (2017, 2018)
- Maintained and provided free technology resources via personal YouTube Channel and Google Site page (2016-2019)
- Panel Participant in Continuing Conversations about Equity moderated by Dr. Pedro Noguera (2017)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Class Sponsor
Edison High School
08.2022 - 06.2023
Equity Lead
Edison High School
08.2022 - 06.2023
High School Educator
Fairfax County Public Schools, Edison High School
01.2021 - 06.2024
Webmaster
Twain Middle School & Edison High School
08.2016 - 06.2024
Equity Cohort Member
Twain Middle School
08.2016 - 06.2021
English Department Chair
Twain Middle School
08.2015 - 06.2021
Curriculum Writer
Fairfax County Public Schools.
06.2015 - 07.2023
Adult Course Educator
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2014 - 06.2023
Learning Innovation Team Lead
Twain Middle School
08.2014 - 12.2020
Middle School Educator
Twain Middle School
08.2012 - 06.2021
Middle School Educator
Shelby County Public Schools
08.2011 - 06.2012
Master of Educational Technology -
Boise State University
And Technology Integration Specialist Certification -
Boise State University
Bachelor’s Secondary Education -
University of Louisville
Associate of Art -
Jefferson Community and Technical College
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