Her Story
About Sarah
Sarah Peterson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 24 years of experience in education, school administration, and organizational leadership. She currently serves as Principal within the Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada, where she leads school improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, student achievement, staff development, and organizational effectiveness. Throughout her career, she has built sustainable systems that strengthen accountability, improve educational outcomes, and foster collaborative school cultures centered on student success.
Prior to becoming a principal, Sarah built a diverse professional foundation as an athletic trainer in both professional and collegiate athletics before transitioning into science education. She began teaching high school science during the 2005–2006 school year while continuing her athletic training career before moving into educational administration in 2016. Her leadership experience includes serving as Dean, Assistant Principal across both high school and middle school settings—including several years in Oregon—and ultimately Principal. She holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University along with three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Sports Medicine, a Master of Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Sierra Nevada University. She is also a licensed Science Teacher, Licensed Principal, and Licensed Educational Leader in the State of Nevada.
Sarah's leadership philosophy is grounded in preparation, adaptability, integrity, and service. She credits the mentors who taught her to always have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C as the greatest influence on her professional success. She believes effective leadership is measured not by individual recognition but by the success of students, educators, and the communities they serve. Passionate about continuous learning, ethical leadership, and creating opportunities for others, Sarah remains committed to building inclusive educational environments where every student and staff member has the support needed to thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the phenomenal mentors and leaders who invested in my growth throughout my career. They taught me the importance of always having a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, which prepared me to lead confidently through challenges and uncertainty. Their guidance shaped my leadership philosophy and reinforced the value of preparation, adaptability, and continuous learning.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to give myself credit for my accomplishments while remembering that it doesn't matter who receives the recognition, as long as the work gets done. In education, the focus should always remain on the students and their success. Effective leadership is about serving others, collaborating as a team, and ensuring positive outcomes rather than seeking personal recognition.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to never underestimate themselves. Embrace every opportunity to learn, remain gracious, and commit to improving every day. Always prepare multiple solutions by having a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, and don't be afraid to take on difficult challenges. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and building confidence through experience.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in educational leadership is recognizing that not every problem has an immediate solution. As a leader, people often expect you to have all the answers, and carrying that responsibility can be difficult. It is essential to build strong support systems, collaborate with others, and remember that effective leadership includes supporting one another through complex challenges.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are ethics, integrity, and staying true to my principles. I believe character is demonstrated by doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Remaining grounded in honesty, maintaining strong ethical standards, and keeping students' best interests at the center of every decision are values I strive to uphold every day.
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