Toddler Teacher at The Willow School

Hello!

My name is Sara McCown, and I'm so excited to be a part of the Toddler Program here at The Willow School! I've always had my foot in the door of education and have worked in various roles. I received my Bachelor of Science in Education and English from the University of Vermont and began my teaching journey as a high school English teacher in Maryland, where I also served as the Department Chair at Kent County High School. During this time, I also spent time at Echo Hill Outdoor School, where I developed a love for teaching about sense of place and ecology.

After moving to Maine, I worked as the 4th and 5th-grade librarian at the Manchester School, and most recently, I was an Advisor/Counselor at Flatiron School, supporting adults transitioning into new career paths in Software Engineering.

My passion is all things reading and literacy! I love promoting choice and exposure to all kinds of books and texts. I also have a deep interest in outdoor education and child development. My approach is to work through observation and a responsive, adjusted curriculum, allowing us to meet every child where they are and provide them with the tools to succeed both in the classroom and in managing their emotions and thoughts. I strive to create an environment where exploration feels safe, and questioning leads to discovery.

I'm especially excited to be working with Jenny to assist in developing our curriculum and getting to know your children! In my spare time, you can usually find me in a park with a good book or at the gym, staying active. I also enjoy cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with my dog, Mac.

I look forward to working with our students and diving into a year of exploration and discovery!