Sarah Bowman

My goal is to increase my skills as a leader and visionary in order to have the greatest impact on services for students, K-21, with disabilities in Colorado. 

Director of Student Services: Intensive Needs, STRIVE Preparatory Schools Denver May 2022 — Present Provide consistent coaching on specialized instruction, IEP compliance, and Center programming for Center Directors. Elementary to 18-21 Transition Programming. • Collaborate closely with school, district, and community stakeholders to ensure the implementation of best practices within center programs. • Develop and facilitate professional development throughout the school year, including summer PD in preparation for the school year. • Ensure IEP and center program alignment with all district, state, and federal laws and regulations. 

AccessAbility 18- 21 Program Founder, Coach, STRIVE Preparatory Schools Denver Jul 2019 — Jul 2022 Developed the plan, budget, and logistics for the first ever community-based transition program that serves students with significant needs. • Facilitated weekly coaching meetings with program directors at both RISE High School and SMART High School’s 18-21 programs. • Attended district and network-level meetings to address programming and operational data. 

Multi-Intensive Center Director, STRIVE Preparatory Schools Denver Jul 2015 — Jun 2022 Managed a team of teachers and paraprofessionals who provided direct instruction and support in math, literacy, and life skills for high school students with significant needs. • Collaborated weekly with students, families, and service providers to meet the needs of 12-20 high school-aged students. • Delivered data-informed lesson plans in math, literacy, and life skills. • Led weekly coaching meetings and deliver staff development as needed • Created inclusion plans with general education staff to ensure student growth and participation in all school settings. 

Special Education Teacher, STRIVE Preparatory Schools Denver Jul 2014 — Jul 2015 Developed and executed lesson plans for functional life skills for students with significant social-emotional and behavioral support. • Facilitated annual IEP, Triennial Re-evaluations, and developed school-wide data collection systems in order to write Functional Behavior Assessments. • Managed a behavior paraprofessional through weekly meetings, training, student data review, and planning. • Collaborated with families, administrators, mental health professionals, district supports, and teachers to meet student needs.

B.A. English; Minor Psychology, Messiah University Grantham Aug 2005 — May 2009 Graduated with High Honors 

Teaching Licensure Program, University of Colorado at Denver Denver Aug 2014 — Jun 2015 Special Education Generalist Endorsement 

Emerging Leaders Program, University of Denver Denver Jan 2017 — May 2017 Daniel's College of Business

(MA) Educational Leadership and Special Education Administration, University of Northern Colorado Denver Jan 2023