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Sarah Woodruff

Sarah’s professional experiences as a middle- and high-school science teacher, school administrator, state education official, and researcher demonstrate her commitment to bringing together people and resources to improve teaching and learning as well as her passion for inquiry. As Director of the Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, and Professional Learning (formerly Ohio’s E & A and Discovery Centers) since 2008, she enjoys interacting with and learning from teachers, school administrators, faculty, and students, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the work of educators and understanding of the state and national education landscape. Her preparation for research in STEM education was initiated at The Ohio State University where she earned degrees in biochemistry and physical sciences education, followed by graduate degrees in educational leadership from Wright State University (M.Ed.) and the University of Dayton (Ph.D.). Sarah utilizes her skills in evaluation, assessment, and research, proposal development, professional writing, quantitative and qualitative methods, instrument development and testing, and research design to oversee the evaluation of more than 20 education programs and projects annually. Her primary research interests include gender and equity issues in STEM education, science teacher preparation and licensing policy, and teacher professional development related to inquiry teaching and learning. As a skillful scholar-practitioner, she contributes to the knowledge base regarding teaching and learning and informs public policy debates in Ohio and nationally through refereed presentations, invited chapters, journal articles, and thorough and thoughtful evaluation reports.

Degrees

Ph.D. Educational ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip, University of Dayton
M.Ed. Educational ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip, Wright State University
B.S. Biochemistry, The Ohio State University
B.S.Ed. Physical Sciences, The Ohio State University

Sarah's Professional Success Formula

50% Integrity (always be true to yourself); 25% Reflection (think it through); and 25% Perseverance (challenges offer opportunities).

Sarah's Work Commitments

Advocacy for equity in opportunity, access, and outcomes for all learners; Collaboration that creates synergy by maximizing the contribution of each partner; and Strategic Innovation that results in continual learning and growth for individuals and organizations.