Autobiographical Sketch
My name is Sarah Douglass. I am 29 years old and I was privileged to be raised in a home with parents who believed that I could achieve anything and encouraged me to do so. My father, Randy Douglass, is a Methodist pastor who is dedicated to serving those who are in need. My mother, Gail Douglass, is an RN who has a very compassionate spirit and gives her all to ensure that others who are hurting find healing and comfort. My parents have cultivated in me a drive and passion to make a difference in the lives of others by using my talents and gifts.
As a young girl growing up in Southern Illinois, going to school was a highlight. I loved the feeling of coming home and reporting to my parents that I had gotten straight A’s and had excellent conduct. When I got home from school, I would go into my room, set up my stuffed animals as my pupils, and begin to teach “exactly” how my teacher taught me at school. Ever since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to become a teacher. At the age of 5, I started taking piano lessons and eventually poured myself into studying classical music. At this young age, I also made an important decision to make Jesus Christ the boss of my life which has become my central interest.
I enjoy playing piano, guitar, singing, and listening to music. I also enjoy spending quality time with my friends encouraging one another. I love learning about other cultures and spending time with international students because it gives a richer understanding of the diverse world around me.
Academic Background
I graduated from Peoria Christian High School in 2000, attended the Honor Academy (internship in missions work) in 2001-2002. I studied Arabic and served as a full time teacher’s assistant in Sudan, Africa from 2006-2007. While in Sudan, I worked every day in a second grade classroom, and on many occasions I was a substitute teacher learning through practicing. Upon my arrival back into the Sates I enrolled in ICC full time and graduated May 2009 on the Dean’s list. I transferred to Bradley University the fall of 2009 in which I received the honor of being on the Dean’s list each consecutive semester. I graduated December 17, 2011 with Magna Cum Laude honors and a degree in Elementary Education.
Related Experience
I have served in Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship for 9 consecutive years. I have led small group discussions, cell groups, discipleship groups, and worship teams. I have also served as the ICC Chi Alpha president. I have learned a lot about leadership dynamics through my experience and service to this ministry.
It is my passion to work with children. During the summers, I work as a full time nanny for a family with two young girls, ages 8 and 11. They are very bright individuals from whom I have learned so much. I have built a relationship with them, and they have made me feel as if I was a part of their family. I also teach piano lessons to children out of my home. I have 12 students who range from ages 6 – 14. I deeply value these experiences and would not trade them for the world. I love working with youth and having an impact on their lives.
Why I am Pursuing a Career in Teaching
I am pursuing a career in teaching because I believe students are capable to demonstrate excellence in all they do. I want to challenge the minds of students to be able to think critically, and have a firm understanding of the core subject content. It is imperative that the student is equipped to think critically for themselves instead of the teacher thinking for them. Schools should be a place where the student learns how to think, not what to think. I value the development not only of the mind, but also the character of the individual. I deem education to be a place where discipline is instilled, respect for authority is learned and practiced, and character qualities such as dependability, integrity, and perseverance are tested to transform students through the development of their intelligence. I want to pursue helping students attain these qualities and values through a career in teaching.
Goals
As an educator, it is my goal that students would feel free to investigate ways to incorporate the basic skills they have learned and put into practice to be prepared for the real world. I also want to cultivate a learning environment in which students will be well versed in different events, cultures, and ideas in order to have a greater respect for those around them. In addition, I want to further my education because I am committed to keeping myself current as a life-long learner. I believe that learning never stops and that children are deserving of the best education. I want to do what it takes to ensure my students receive quality instruction.
