Master of Education Graduate Sarah Beech

Sarah is originally from Courtenay, B.C. and completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) and Bachelor of Education before starting her MEd at Werklund.

How did you arrive at your thesis topic? What drew you to that particular area of focus?

I decided to look at queer inclusivity in K-12 Public Schools because I was very interested in learning about what educators were doing to help improve the lives of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. As I found out, not a lot was happening, and there were a lot of negative things reported that were happening. 

Who is someone who had an important influence on your experience at Werklund? Tell us about their impact. 

The most influential person was Yvonne Poitras Pratt. She nurtured us in the Reconciliation: A Call to Action Cohort and still to this day supports her former students. She encouraged the capstone project I worked on regarding MMIWG2S people and then worked with me on producing Ksistsikoom with Elder Saa’kokoto in a joint venture with the Calgary Board of Education, Werklund, and the School of Creative and Performing Arts. She invited me to also collaborate on her upcoming book. She is not only a mentor, but also a friend.

What is the most important lesson you learned from your graduate studies experience? 

I learned to follow my heart and do what I love. To hold academic integrity high, but also find balance. I ended up burning out badly in my second year and had to put pause on work, got a divorce, and had huge health issues, but I still kept up with my studies and I believe I did because I was working with a topic I was passionate about.

Where has your education from the Werklund School of Education taken you in your career?

I continue to teach with the Calgary Board of Education. I have and will continue to present research at conferences and conventions. 

Outside of Werklund, what are your favourite pastimes? Do you have any interesting hobbies or talents? 

I enjoy art and art experiences. I once set a goal to go to one live performance a week for a year. I saw some really incredible work and also some terrible shows. I also like to be outside. My dog Jasmine and I will go for walks to take breaks. 

What advice would you give to those about to begin their graduate studies journey? 

Pace yourself and find balance. Also, know where to draw a line between your integrity and mental health and voice that to the people you are working with. Find what you love to do and that will support you. 

What do you plan to do after you have completed your degree? How do you hope to make a positive impact in the community?

I plan to teach through a critical social-justice lens. I’m currently in the EdD program and would like to continue my journey in educational research when I finish this step. I would also like to work as a specialist with my board. I hope I am able to instill positive change to combat oppression, even a little. If I can make a queer kid feel like they belong and are seen in their school and my classroom, I have done my job.

Please share any additional comments

It has been a journey that I will never forget. My Master’s degree changed my life completely. I am an entirely new person who is more emotionally connected to the world. I grew up in this program (even though I was in my mid thirties!)