As a first-generation immigrant from Ghana, Sarah Harvey (she/her/hers) knows firsthand the power of an excellent education. Being new to this country, her parents relied on the support of the dedicated educators at her school to help their young student thrive in unfamiliar territory. “My teachers affirmed me and created a joyful environment that cultivated my love of learning. Most importantly, they took every opportunity to invite my parents to be a part of my education. Without that experience, I would not have had the opportunity to have a life of my choosing.”
Sarah is working to found and lead a school in her community of Atlanta, GA. The school will address the educational inequities faced by Black and brown families, which she’s seen in the city and throughout her career. “Our school will be one where students of color are celebrated for their authentic selves and parents are seen as an integral part of their child’s education. We will actively incorporate family input into our curriculum and policies, and will present further opportunities to be involved throughout the year in ways that align with their strengths and interests.” Sarah’s proposed school will implement the Montessori model of schooling with fidelity to prepare students to be self-directed learners rooted in their culture and community.
Sarah most recently served as senior director of national strategy and operations at Relay Graduate School of Education, where she co-led a team of strategy and operation leaders across the institution. She also served as the director of operations at Relay Connecticut. Prior to this, Sarah was a public policy fellow, an instructional coach of first and second-year teachers, a special education specialist for PK4-K students, and a special education teacher through Teach For America.
Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Washington College, and a master’s in special education from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Sarah is also pursuing a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology through Harvard Extension School.
