Philosophy
Sara’s approach to teaching encourages curiosity as well as active and inquiry-based learning. Students in a non-formal education environment should be encouraged to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and connect with the scientific method. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values she actively incorporates into her classroom designs.
As a result of her multi-disciplinary background, Sara has taught subjects in astronomy, Earth sciences, atmospheric and space sciences to science, engineering, and non-science students. Considering universal design and implementing inquiry-based techniques (labs, tutorials, and computer programming), Sara guides her students to find answers to their questions.
Select Teaching Experience
Sessional Lecturer
University of Toronto
2018 — Present
Supervises undergraduate thesis research projects in the Earth Sciences Department. Independently designs and implements workshops customized to individual research projects.
Science Teacher
Toronto Prep School
2018 — 2019
Taught grade 9 and 10 science classes including: biology, ecology, chemistry, physics, earth, and space science. Developed lesson plans, created stimulating educational activities for students, and tracked student progress.
Teaching Assistants’
Training Program
Science & Engineering Trainer
University of Toronto
2017 — 2018
Provided training and support for teaching assistants at the Centre for Teaching Support and Innovation. Designed and delivered workshops on best practices tailored to various university departments
Led training sessions for teaching assistants with guidance on how to effectively communicate writing instructions. Worked collaboratively with faculty on curriculum design and advised faculty members on discipline-specific writing assignments.