We are proud to begin year two of our Seguin ISD Teacher Spotlight. Our first educator featured for 2019-2020 is Sarah Klesel, GT Facilitator/STEM Lab Manager at McQueeney Elementary School.

1. Describe your teaching career at Seguin ISD.

In 2005, I started at Patlan as a student-teacher for the wonderful Mrs. Nancy Meier, and was hired later that year. I taught 3rd, 4th, and 2nd grades before becoming a GT facilitator in 2013 for both Patlan and McQueeney. This year I am on the McQueeney campus full time, continuing my GT role and expanding my horizons with the exciting opportunity of running the new STEM Lab.

2. How do you instill rigor and relevance in your classroom?

I believe students want to know and deserve to know the "why" in my classroom. I give real-world examples and logical reasoning for each unit of study. Assignments are for the betterment and benefit of the student, not for a grade or test. I tap into students' natural curiosity to increase buy-in and engagement. Rigor is embedded in my classroom because I too am a curious learner. Together we have and explore endless questions.

3. As an educator, you cultivate, inspire and empower. What does this mean to you?

Students have to know you care before they care about anything you have to say. I treat students like the capable individuals they are: I listen to them. I love them. I validate them. They are learning to be grown-ups. They need security and someone who believes in them. Cultivating that relationship leads to inspiration and empowerment.

#TeamSeguin