Sarah Tetreault
Sarah Tetreault is an educational leader and curriculum and instruction specialist dedicated to advancing equity-driven change across K–12 systems. She currently serves as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development for the Southern Berkshire Regional School District, where she partners with educators, building leaders, and district stakeholders to shape curriculum, design impactful professional learning, and guide instructional decision-making that directly influences classroom practice. Her work emphasizes inclusive leadership, educator voice, and high-quality professional development—particularly for paraprofessionals and emerging leaders.
Sarah’s career reflects a diverse and intentional pathway into educational leadership. After beginning her career as a classroom teacher, she brought experience from outside education into her practice before returning to the classroom as a middle school social studies teacher for nine years, including service as a department head. Her commitment to public education extended beyond the classroom through six years of service on her town’s school committee, an experience that deepened her understanding of governance, policy, and systems-level leadership and helped propel her into district administration.
A doctoral candidate at Bay Path University, Sarah is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration, with dissertation research focused on how aspiring principals navigate alternative licensure pathways in Massachusetts. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, growth mindset, and the belief that strong schools are built through shared decision-making and inclusive practices. Through her scholarship, grant writing, and professional service—including membership in Kappa Delta Pi—Sarah remains committed to building sustainable pathways for future school leaders and fostering learning environments where all members feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
• Fitchburg State University - MA
• Kappa Delta Pi
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the journey that brought me from where I started to where I am today. I began my career immediately after college as a teacher at a Catholic school, and when budget cuts forced me to pivot into other fields, those experiences challenged me to grow, adapt, and gain a broader perspective. Ultimately, I chose to return to education—a decision that reaffirmed my purpose. Today, I truly love what I do and am deeply committed to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education that leaves a lasting, meaningful impact on their life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you, too, can impact the education world and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. That reminder reinforced the idea that every role in education carries the power to shape futures, and it continues to motivate me to lead with purpose, commitment, and heart in the work I do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to keep pushing forward and never give up, no matter how challenging the journey may feel—persistence is key. I also hope that by being visible, I can show others, especially parents balancing family and career, that leadership is attainable. Never stop learning, trust your voice, and use it to advocate for positive change in schools and in the lives of the students you serve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities. As I pursue my EdD while working full time and managing life as a wife and mother of four, I’ve learned that the ability to juggle multiple roles with discipline and resilience is essential. Maintaining honors status amid these demands reflects not only the rigor of the field but also the opportunity it presents for driven professionals to model perseverance, effective time management, and lifelong learning.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, dedication, and lifelong learning. Being a mother of four is central to who I am, and I cherish the time I spend with my family. At the same time, I am deeply committed to personal and professional growth, which is reflected in the hard work I am putting into my dissertation and my belief in continuous learning as a foundation for both leadership and fulfillment.