Join us to learn about an innovative program to connect teens to their passions through online social gatherings focused on learning, sharing interests, and working with mentor teachers. Sarah Woog of the Maine Department of Education will share how Maine is providing teens with a way to reach out to peers around the state to share and learn from each other. WAVES, Wilderness and Online Virtual Learning Communities are working to deliver on the vision “every week every Maine teen safely engages socially with a community of peers,” and are open to all Maine teens. The purpose of a WAVES Virtual Community is to provide an opportunity for teens across Maine to connect safely and socially around a shared affinity.
Bring your questions about how we might create a similar program for Vermont teens. s
Sarah Woog first started teaching Mathematics at Shead High School in Eastport, Maine, after which she served as Math teacher and coach at Indian Township School and Math Department Chair at Washington Academy in East Machias, Maine. She moved out of the classroom to serve as Executive Director of the Washington County Consortium, where she worked to provide educational opportunities for educators across the County. Directly prior to joining the Maine Department of Education as the Project Director of WAVES, Sarah was a lecturer in the Education program at the University of Maine at Machias, where she had the pleasure of mentor and supporting pre-service teachers in their student teaching experiences.
During her time in the classroom, Sarah worked passionately to serve students in rural Maine and expand their visions of what is possible. She led college exploration initiatives and programs that provided immersive experiences in STEAM through partnerships with colleges and universities throughout New England. Sarah firmly believes all Maine students deserve to be equipped with the skills and experiences that allow them to choose and pursue their own paths and passions.
Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Science at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where she majored in Mathematics and American Studies. She resided in New York City before moving to Maine in 2009, when she began her career in education. Sarah received her Master’s from the University of Maine at Orono in Educational Leadership and exited continues to pursue educational opportunities, most recently as a fellow in Maine’s Leadership Development Program.
