Sarah Page
Coordinator & Educator
Being a Distance Learning (DL) teacher during school closures was an honor. I’m not a victim of video conferencing but a privileged pandemic pioneer in a now global society of educators. DL was a structureless system. Some feared that it was barren or chaotic. I knew it was a blank canvas. After creating content for the district-wide AVID program that reached over 500 students, I wonder how many more students could reach if I worked in EdTech. I started looking for possible positions and became elated with the idea of what I could contribute to private industry. Though I don’t have much experience in the private sector, my history proves my competency in any company.
2022
I’m moving to New York City this summer to pursue more opportunity.
Since I took over the AVID program, I’ve raised enrollment by 8.7%, created the Freshmen Mentor Program, the Senior Recognition Assembly, the Student of the Quarter Awards while carrying out all other AVID coordinator duties.
Outside of teaching, I’ve served on the High School ELA Benchmark Committee that redesigned the benchmarks that are taken by over 5,000 Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) students.
2021
In April, in-person education began again. This brought anger and fear from some; however, I knew that we either chose to be pioneers or victims. I was empowered, even honored, by the opportunity to rewrite education.
In August, I was selected to design the Credit Recovery Course to replace summer school, which is projected to save VUSD about $10,000 this summer alone. They needed someone who could design the course without being given a vision or job description. It was perfect for me.
2020
I piloted FLEX, a new online homeschooling program. After I figured out the program, I started training others and creating communication materials to be sent home to families.
I was asked to create the AVID Canvas board that serviced VUSD’s largest academic program with over 500 students in seven of 10 secondary schools in VUSD. I realized that if I worked in EdTech, I could reach thousands, even millions, of students.
2019
I created the AVID freshman mentor program, which links freshmen with counselors, administration and teachers to help them acclimate to school.
I started the AVID Quarterly Awards, which recognizes students for their academics, leadership, growth, volunteerism and general goodwill to others.
I built the Senior Recognition Ceremony that acknowledges that these first-generation students have completed the college application process.
2018
In August, I became the AVID coordinator and recruited a record number of freshmen. We had 38 that year, which seems small but is 15% of the freshman class. The previous year had 18.
I teamed with the librarian to create the Senior Mentor Program that links our 12th grade AVID class with career mentors.
In October, my application for Spanish citizenship was approved under the Sephardim Nationality Legislation. I include this not only because I am proud of my Sephartic roots but also to inform any potential employers that I am able to work in the European Union without a visa.
2017
I bequeathed Dragon Drama to a new teacher leaving a budget of over $8,000, in comparison to the $300 that had been left for the program when I began in 2015.
2016
In June, I graduated from California Lutheran University with a Master’s in Educational Leadership.
My thesis was titled “The Benefits of Reclassification of Long Term English Language Learners"
2015
I was hired by Foothill Tech High to teach English and drama, though I had no experience in theater.
My first year, I produced three shows that year instead of our traditional two.
2013
I was hired to teach English at Santa Paula High School, which is a Title 1 school located in a small agriculture town north of Los Angeles. I was unexpectedly assigned to teach Spanish 1 and AVID 11, which was new to me.
Eventually, I taught honors classes and became the sophomore class advisor. I guided students in planning dances, rallies and events.
2010
I moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina though I had never been and didn't know anyone there. I taught for Wall Street English and discovered that a classroom was my stage.
I returned to the US and started teaching for ELS, where I had students from Brazil, Saudia Arabia and China.
2008
I graduated from California State University, Chico. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in Spanish language.
I was hired by Herzog Wine Cellars to manage the wine club. After a few weeks, I learned how to use the POS system so it automated my job. In order to stay employed, I had to build a new position for myself. I redesigned marketing materials, updated our brochures, created a wine club newsletter and contributed to the newly launched the Ventura County Wine Trail.
2004-2008
In college, I studied abroad in Madrid, traveled around Europe, served as the secretary of Panhellenic Council, volunteered for student government, was a board member for Up Til' Dawn, and was selected for the competitive Tehama Group Communications internship.
2000-2004
In high school, I was the graduation speaker, voted most spirited, elected ASB Treasurer, volunteered for Interact Service Club, and participated in dance team.