Sarah Waters

I hold a Master's in Teaching from the University of Louisville and an endorsement to teach English as a Second Language from Spalding University. Before joining Chance, I taught in JCPS for 14 years, first as an art teacher and then as an English Language Development (ELD) teacher. My first love was creating art, which led me to positions at local art museums and to the discovery of the magic of engaging in creative experiences with children, ultimately culminating in my teaching art in JCPS. My second love was culture, language, and travel, which led me to ELD. I have been having fun, creative, and culturally rich language-filled learning experiences with exceptional children ever since. 

I discovered Virginia Chance when my husband and I embarked on an exhaustive search for a new school for our then-first grader. We needed to find a better fit for her, where teachers spoke kindly to students, children had input into their learning, and where children could move their bodies regularly throughout the day. We found all of that and so much more at Virginia Chance. I was moved to tears by what I saw on our first visit to Chance: teachers were excited about teaching, children were moving about, and curiosity was driving the learning. Within months, our daughter was thriving in her new environment, developing surprising and excellent new skills. By the end of that school year, we had also moved our younger daughter to Chance, and I was inquiring about a teaching position for myself. 

Our family values align deeply with the tenets of Progressive Education. I passionately believe that children thrive when they participate in active, hands-on, inquiry-based learning and collaborative problem-solving, guided by adults who value and take them seriously. I am genuinely grateful to have the opportunity to teach at a school and work alongside professionals and families that value these educational principles.

Outside of work, I enjoy being active outdoors; running, cycling, hiking, climbing, and splashing. I also love creating and appreciating art, traveling near and far, spending time with friends, and decorating my home in ways that make it cozy and inviting.