Leading with a passionate heart, brilliant mind and kind soul, Sarah Watkins’ love for teaching has only grown since she entered the profession 16 years ago—and it’s infectious. An eighth grade English language arts teacher, Watkins’ positive influence on Stella Worley Middle School is reflected in the students’ excitement to learn. Step into Watkins’ classroom to see students engaging in lively academic discussions, increasing self-confidence, asking questions, offering feedback, and participating in civil debate. Whether annotating classic literature, comparing themes in Romeo and Juliet film adaptations to Shakespeare’s original, or lengthening reading logs, Watkins has built a classroom culture that encourages students to take ownership of their learning and support each other in the process.
Through the school’s partnership with National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), Watkins serves as a mentor teacher on the instructional leadership team (ILT). She coaches teachers, models lessons, observes classrooms and contributes to a culture of collaboration. Her practices are used as a model for training teachers throughout the state on the Louisiana Educator Advancement and Development System. Her classroom is also used as an example across the district: she leads professional development, hosts site visits for principals, and records her coaching sessions for feedback. Additionally, Watkins is the school’s technology coordinator and PBIS co-coordinator, facilitates the principal’s council, and helped implement the new Guidebooks 3.0 curriculum.
Outside of class, Watkins tutors students, attends games and extracurriculars, works concession stands, dresses for spirit week, and helps organize teacher appreciation events. She is the Title I parent and family engagement coordinator, as well as a committee member for student of the year selection, fundraising, and student life, where she plans the eighth grade move-up ceremony, field experiences, homecoming, and more.
Watkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary English education from Dillard University in 2009.
Press Release: Superstar Sarah Watkins Left Speechless After $25,000 Milken Educator Award Surprise in Jefferson Parish
