Sara Nixon
School Counseling Chandler High School
About Me
I have been in education for 9 years as both a secondary English teacher and a high school counselor. I received my undergrad in education from Arizona State University and my M. ED from Chadron State College.
Degrees
(BA) Bachelor of Arts - 2013
Secondary Education, English
Arizona State University
(MA) Master of Arts - 2020
Education
Chadron State College
Associate in Applied Science - 2006
Nursing
Mesa Community College
Teaching History
School Counseling
Arizona Virtual Academy
Sep 2022 - Sep 2021
· Created and delivered individual and small group guidance curriculum focusing on coping skills.
· Worked with students through the college admissions process including completing the FASA, reviewing academic and athletic opportunities, preparing essays and interview practice.
· Monitored and addressed graduation progress, transcripts and classes for 350+ students.
· Provided responsive services to individuals with personal concerns or issues.
· Introduced and executed high school transition workshop for all 8th grade students.
· Created and hosted multiple small groups each week on high risk topics like adolescent mental health, coping with divorce, communicating hard topics, coping with incarcerated parents.
· Cultivated a stimulating and supportive environment each day during open office hours where students could drop-in and discuss specific topics for the day while also providing a safe place to socialize and/or work individually with me.
School Counseling
Chandler High School
Jul 2022 - Current
· Participated in registration and scheduling processes for developing student class schedules.
· Work with students through the college admissions process including completing the FASA, reviewing academic and athletic opportunities, preparing essays and interview practice.
· Accurately and appropriately interpret and utilize student data to implement needed interventions.
· Collaboration with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with meeting all graduation requirements, and referring where necessary, to remediation opportunities.
· Maintain accountability within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model.
· Support 504 referral, evaluation, and accommodation processes for students in my caseload.
· Support Special Education team on a case by case basis when needed, including attendance at relevant IEP meetings.
· Collaborate effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators regarding students with identified academic concerns and needs.
· Support the development of students’ interpersonal relationships, decision making, goal setting, and understanding of safety and survival skills
· Participation in crisis intervention to individuals/family/school.
School Counseling
Eastmark High School
Jul 2021 - Jul 2022
· Participated in registration and scheduling processes for developing student class schedules.
· Testing coordinator for PSAT, AP, SAT.
· Worked with students through the college admissions process including completing the FASA, reviewing academic and athletic opportunities, preparing essays and interview practice.
· Accurately and appropriately interpreted and utilized student data to implement needed interventions.
· Collaborated with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with meeting all graduation requirements, and referring where necessary, to remediation opportunities.
· Maintained accountability within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model.
· Support 504 referral, evaluation, and accommodation processes for students in my caseload.
· Supported Special Education team on a case by case basis when needed, including attendance at relevant IEP meetings.
· Collaborated effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators regarding students with identified academic concerns and needs.
· Supported the development of students’ interpersonal relationships, decision making, goal setting, and understanding of safety and survival skills
· Participation in crisis intervention to individuals/family/school.
· Conduct a yearly program audit (Action Plan and Quarterly Benchmarks) to review the extent of program implementation.
Secondary English
Arizona Virtual Academy
Oct 2018 - Jul 2020
· Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops.
· Encouraged interactive learning by incorporating educational software (i.e Blackboard) and the Internet.
· Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning and used the data to adjust teaching or remediate where needed.
· Provided extensive data to administrators on progress and growth of students utilizing. Microsoft Excel and testing data from Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA).
· Planned and implemented creative lessons in accordance with district, county, state and federal guidelines.
· Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times in accordance to FERPA.
Secondary English
Jan 2014 - Jul 2018
· Implemented 1:1 device use
· Completed training courses to keep up-to-date with new teaching methods and developments in the field.
· Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops.
· Encouraged interactive learning by incorporating educational software and the Internet.
· Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
· Planned and implemented creative lessons in accordance with district, county, state and federal guidelines.
· Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times