For 10 years, special education teacher Sarah Innes has served students from kindergarten through 4th grade.
From working in the classroom to catching up with former students and parents at Trader Joe’s or Compo Beach, she feels a deep connection to Westport families.
This summer, she will take the experience she’s gained in our district, and stretch it — and herself — far beyond our borders.
Innes will volunteer overseas as a SkillCorps member with the Global Autism Project. She’ll be assigned to a school devoted specifically to children on the autism spectrum.
Sarah Innes
Innes — who began her special ed career in 2010, in the first New York City public school for children with autism — is a board certified behavior analyst. She joined the Westport Public Schools in 2015.
She does not yet know which of 4 countries she’ll be assigned to. But wherever it is, she looks forward to helping.
“Our kids here have so much more than other parts of the world,” Innes says. “There are so many places that need support and funding.”
She’ll pay for all her travel expenses. In addition, she has pledged to raise $9,500 to help with curriculum development, staff training, professional conferences and mentorship programs. She’s already nearly halfway there. (Click here to donate, and for more information.)
“I believe that location should never determine the quality of a child’s education,” Innes says.
“My career has been defined by my work in 2 of the nation’s leading school systems for individuals with disabilities.
“Having seen the life-changing results of these programs, I am passionate about taking the lessons I’ve learned and sharing them with the world. I am dedicated to enriching communities that haven’t yet had the opportunity to provide this level of specialized support.”
