Sarah Wawrzaszek
Lead Teacher (she/her)
Sarah's introduction to Park West came as a Camp Sunshine teacher in 2003. She immediately appreciated the stimulating, deeply considerate, respectful and deliberate approach of teachers. Sarah graduated from Loyola University with a BA in Elementary Education with concentrations in English and Science. Soon after, she started her career at Park West: a Tots facilitator, office support, JK assistant, inclusion aide, 2-Day/3-Day/3-Day afternoon assistant and for the last decade, a lead teacher in the 4-Day morning and JK classes. She is excited to embark on the new full-day adventure at Park West as a lead teacher in the 4-day morning class and afternoon schedule. Sarah’s pedagogy and self are continuously influenced by the thought-provoking interactions she has with children, parents and fellow staff. She strives to provide a nurturing, safe environment where children can feel comfortable sharing their sense of self, wonder, enthusiasm, hesitance and openness to the world. One where children build confidence and advocacy, engage with varying perspectives, and consider how things affect themselves and others. She loves to listen, problem solve, be playful, and truly enjoys that the cooperative approach ensures parents partake in these experiences as well. She is a Chicago native, soothed by beautiful colors, who loves smiling at doggies and other animals in general. She’s often connecting with friends and family, reading at her neighborhood coffee shop or road tripping to see the sights and watch some baseball. She looks forward to another year where all continue to learn, be challenged, empowered and embraced.