Staff Spotlight: Sarah Vowels discusses role models and engaging her students
by Amy Haggerty
Sarah Vowels teaches 7th grade social studies. She also began teaching high school yearbook, which is taught as a class in Stockbridge, when Elizabeth Cyr retired.
“My favorite days are when I overhear students talking to their friends and they say, ‘it’s the end of class already? It went by fast,’” Vowels said. She added, “That’s when I know I’ve created a great lesson, when the kids are so engaged in learning that they don’t pay attention to the clock. It’s the best compliment they can give me!”
She loves watching students try new things, and she enjoys providing them with the opportunity to learn topics they wouldn’t explore on their own.
“It’s fun when kids ask questions and make hypotheses about what might have happened in the past,” she said.
When she was in school, Vowel’s English teachers let her explore her creativity in writing and expanded her knowledge in literature. In college, she had exceptional professors who brought history to life. The skills and knowledge she picked up from her role models are now being passed on to her students.
“I’ve been really blessed throughout my education and career to have strong role models,” this 7th grade teacher reflects.
Vowels grew up in Concord, Mich., where she graduated from Concord High school in 1992.
“Growing up in a small town, I was surrounded by a community to support me. I have always felt that Stockbridge is a lot like my hometown; the staff really care about the kids,” she said.
After high school, she attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in English language arts and social science. Later, Vowels attended Marygrove College for her master’s in education.
Some of her hobbies include traveling, camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Vowels family and friends are very important to her. She has two children: Max is 11 years old and Julia is 24. Julia attended Western Michigan University for her undergrad and is currently finishing her master’s degree at Ball State University.
Early in Sarah Vowel’s teaching career, an inspirational vice principal taught her how to be cool under pressure. Vowels now considers this to be one of her strengths.
Some sage advice she shares with her Stockbridge students: “Don’t give up when something is challenging. You all have greatness in you.”
Social studies and yearbook teacher Sarah Vowels loves providing students the opportunity to learn topics they wouldn’t explore on their own. Photo provided by Sarah Vowels
