Sara van Deurzen

Sara Van Deurzen has over 20 years of experience in various roles within the education field. Sara started their career as a Substitute Teacher in the Whitefish Bay School District in 2000. Sara then worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Shorewood Intermediate School, where they collaborated with staff, modified lessons, and supported both special and general education students. Sara also served as a Supervisor and Art Teacher at the Whitefish Bay Recreation Department, where they created and taught art lessons and supervised students in a park/playground setting.

Sara's experience in special education continued as they worked as a Special Education Coordinator at Wings Academy, where they managed transportation and created a transition program. Sara later became a Special Education Teacher at Orchard Lane, where they worked directly with parents, students, and staff to provide behavioral support and modify lessons for special and general education students.

In 2013, Sara became the Director of Special Education & Pupil Services at 21st Century Preparatory School. Sara'sresponsibilities included increasing understanding of special education services and supports, budget development and monitoring, and staff management. Sara also redesigned evaluation and Individualized Education Program (IEP) pages to meet compliance with DPI and Federal mandates.

Sara's leadership in exceptional education continued as they became the Director of Exceptional Education & Pupil Services at Penfield Montessori Academy in 2016. Sara then worked as a Professor Adjunct at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 2018.

Currently, Sara holds the position of Director of Operations at GiGi's Playhouse Inc.- Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. In this role, they manage the playhouse, coordinates volunteers, plans programs, provides special education guidance and advocacy, and handles marketing, community outreach, and technology support. Sara is the main representative of the playhouse to families, volunteers, and community members.

Sara Van Deurzen has a diverse and extensive education history. Sara obtained a high school diploma from Sevastopol High School in 1995. Sara then went on to the University of Wisconsin, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education and Special Education-Cross Categorical from 1995 to 1999. In 2001 to 2004, they pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts with a focus on Art Education at the University of Wisconsin.

Sara furthered their education by attending Marian University of Fond du Lac from 2009 to 2011, where they studied Educational Leadership, with their field of study focused on becoming a Special Education Director and Principal.

Alongside their degrees, they obtained multiple certifications from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In 1999, they earned an Art Education License (PreK-12th Grade). In 2005, they acquired licenses in Cross Categorical Special Education and Learning Disabilities for Middle Childhood to Early Adolescence (age 6-13). In 2011, Sara obtained a Director of Special Education & Pupil Services License and a Principal License.

Sara's commitment to education and their diverse range of qualifications make their well-equipped for a career in special education leadership and administration.