SARAH BATZEL
Downers Grove
Summary
To design and deliver transformative learning experiences that empower children through engaging, effective, and innovative curriculum and program design.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Lead Educator
Catalyst STEM Labs
Downers Grove, IL
2025 - Current
- Created dynamic engineering classes, encouraging students to solve design challenges innovatively without kits or step-by-step instructions.
- Led projects in electrical circuits, mechanical motion design, and 3D printing, equipping students with essential problem-solving and engineering skills.
Junior High Science & STEAM Educator
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School
Lisle
01.2025 - Current
- Taught earth, life, and physical sciences to middle school students, enhancing their scientific reading, research, and writing skills.
- Engaged students in hands-on investigations and design experiences, utilizing STEAM tools like 3D printers and TinkerCAD.
- Significantly increased student engagement and improved their literacy, science and technology skills.
- Connected learning to real-world contexts, such as using Mars colonization to explore mineral studies and metal extraction processes.
Lower School Head & Curriculum Coordinator
The Avery Coonley School
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Led initiatives to adopt and align best practices for curricular instruction, optimizing individualized learning, feedback, and differentiation. Utilized data insights to refine curriculum and enhance student outcomes.
- Strengthened parent communication, engagement, and satisfaction with programming, building strong rapport and ensuring a collaborative educational environment.
Elementary School Educator & Curriculum Designer
The Avery Coonley School
01.2009 - 01.2022
- Taught grades 2-5, designing high-quality, rigorous, and differentiated curriculum across all subjects. These initiatives greatly increased engagement and mastery among diverse learners, guided by data and formative assessments.
- Implemented innovative curriculum experiences, such as hands-on engineering projects and applied math challenges, that were highly acclaimed by both students and parents, enhancing program engagement and student achievement.
- Integrated technology in authentic and meaningful ways across subjects, providing digital resources that empowered students and families to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Collaborated with colleagues, students, and administrators to enhance curriculum effectiveness by incorporating diverse perspectives, while building strong partnerships with parents to support educational goals.
Enrichment Educator & Curriculum Designer (K-8)
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development & Dominican University Summer Gifted Program
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Designed and marketed enriching math, science, technology, art, and literacy courses, achieving high enrollment and repeat interest by engaging students in dynamic and rigorous learning experiences.
- Developed hands-on and technology-enhanced content that connected robust learning to the real world, empowering students to create, build, and design.
- Delivered expertly crafted curriculum using Universal Design for Learning practices, showcasing educational excellence.
- Quickly mastered new subjects like Viking history and hydraulic engineering, demonstrating adaptability and a self-starter mindset.
Mac Specialist & Tech Educator
Apple Store
Oak Brook
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Delivered customized training programs on Apple’s software to adults and children of varying skill levels, ensuring clear understanding and engagement.
- Enhanced learner and customer experience by applying Apple’s Steps of Service and consultative approach to actively listen, uncover customer needs, and present creative solutions that inspired excitement and confidence.
Education
Middle School Endorsements - Math & Science
University of Massachusetts Global
06-2026
Math Specialist Certificate -
University of Wisconsin – Stout
01-2025
Ed.M - Learning & Teaching
Harvard Graduate School of Education
01-2007
B.A. - Education & Vocal Performance
Mary Baldwin College
01-2006
Skills
- Google Suite
- Robotics & 3D Printing
- Curricular Standards
- Gifted & Talented
- Science & Math Instruction
- STEM Instruction with Arts Integration
- Classroom Management
- Parent Communication
Timeline
Junior High Science & STEAM Educator
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School
01.2025 - Current
Lower School Head & Curriculum Coordinator
The Avery Coonley School
01.2022 - 01.2025
Elementary School Educator & Curriculum Designer
The Avery Coonley School
01.2009 - 01.2022
Enrichment Educator & Curriculum Designer (K-8)
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development & Dominican University Summer Gifted Program
01.2008 - 01.2017
Mac Specialist & Tech Educator
Apple Store
01.2007 - 01.2008
Ed.M - Learning & Teaching
Harvard Graduate School of Education
B.A. - Education & Vocal Performance
Mary Baldwin College
Founder & Lead Educator
Catalyst STEM Labs
2025 - Current
Middle School Endorsements - Math & Science
University of Massachusetts Global
Math Specialist Certificate -
University of Wisconsin – Stout
PRESENTATION & PUBLICATION HIGHLIGHTS
- Designed and presented “Beyond the Workbook: Enrich Math Learning with Supplemental Resources” at the ISACS Regional Conference (2022).
- Published “Philosophy: Empower, Challenge, Guide & Enrich” in the Avery Coonley School Magazine (2014).
- Presented dynamic professional development workshops on high impact math, literacy and science instructional strategies at the Gifted Summit conference, Indiana (2015 - 2017)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Art of Coaching, Elena Aguilar, Bright Morning, 2025
- Makerspace Training (TinkerCAD, 3D printing, lasercutting, robotics), TinkerWorks, 2022 - 2024
- NGSS Science Curriculum Design, Rita Januszyk Educational Consultant, 2020