Sara McCowell Novice Teaching Assistant Award 2022

Sarah McCowellI attended Brock University as an undergraduate and graduated from their Concurrent Education program back in 2014. After completing Teachers College, I secured an international teaching position in England. I spent my first year at Montem Academy in Slough teaching Year 3 and my second year at Wembley Primary School in London teaching Year 4. In 2016, I returned to Canada and began tutoring for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), where during this time, I obtained my Special Education Specialist. By early 2017, I began working as an Occasional Teacher for the HWCDSB and the Halton Catholic District School Board, the former of which I still serve. Over the past four years, I have secured long-term occasional positions in elementary and secondary schools, which eventually led me to pursue my Masters of Education. In 2021, I finished my Masters of Education Program at Brock University, specializing in Administration and Leadership. This incredible experience led me into the Teaching Assistant role at Brock University, which I have spent the last year serving. 

As a TA Sara has demonstrated a strong commitment to her students in her practice and through her professional development. For Sara committing to establishing a teaching and learning environment centred in care (Noddings, 2015) is critical as she strives “to establish a positive rapport with my students to create a safe and supportive classroom to support their learning needs.”  

Testimonials 

“In Sara’s seminar, I was able to experience an educator that cared about my mental health and well-being as well as made sure the seminar was an environment where students could relieve any stress they might be experiencing as well as meet new people and collaborate with peers through facilizing inspiring conversations.”  

Sara consistently brings a high energy and positive attitude to her seminars, creating personal connections with all students, in order to facilitate a fun and engaging seminar.”