Sara Casey Taleff

Sara Casey Taleff Email and Phone Number

Founder and Executive Director @ Cottonwood NYC
Helena, MT, US
Sara Casey Taleff's Location
Helena, Montana, United States, United States
About Sara Casey Taleff

🚀 Fueling Curiosity, Igniting Minds: Transforming Education and Building Inclusive Learning Communities at Cottonwood NYC 🌟📚👋 Hello, I'm Sara. As the Founder and Executive Director at Cottonwood NYC, I am deeply passionate about transforming education and empowering young minds. With over two decades of experience in the dynamic field of learning, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Education & Social Policy from Northwestern University and a Master's of Science in Education. My journey in education began as a Teach For America corps member, where I taught Special Education grades 3-6 in the vibrant landscape of New York City.💼 My professional trajectory led me to Montana's Office of Public Instruction for five enriching years, where I played a pivotal role in ensuring special education compliance, spearheading professional development initiatives, and initiating the State's School Mental Health Initiative. This experience laid the foundation for my unwavering commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.🏢 Over the past seven years, I have split my time between Helena and New York, founding and directing a micro-school for children aged 2-8 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. At the core of my work lies a profound passion for curating spaces and fostering conversations that empower children to make their own discoveries.♂️ Currently associated with Cottonwood NYC, a member-based organization dedicated to redefining learning, education, and community, I lead initiatives that cultivate curiosity, play, trust, respect, equity, and autonomy among our members. From facilitating the growth, engagement, and connection of young people to hosting community events and afterschool programs, Cottonwood NYC serves as a vibrant hub for exploration and collaboration.📚 As an educator, community builder, and advocate for transformative education, my primary goal is to ignite the fire of curiosity in all individuals.🤝 I invite you to connect with me and explore 👉🏻 https://www.cottonwoodnyc.org/

Sara Casey Taleff's Current Company Details
Cottonwood NYC

Cottonwood Nyc

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Founder and Executive Director
Helena, MT, US
Website:
cottonwoodnyc.org
Employees:
4
Sara Casey Taleff Work Experience Details
  • Cottonwood Nyc
    Founder And Executive Director
    Cottonwood Nyc
    Helena, Mt, Us
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  • Cottonwood Nyc
    Founder And Executive Director
    Cottonwood Nyc 2017 - Present
    As the Founder and Executive Director of Cottonwood NYC, I lead a dynamic educational initiative committed to redefining learning environments, fostering community engagement, and empowering youth through innovative educational practices.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:● Pioneered the establishment of Cottonwood NYC in 2017, envisioning and creating an educational space that transcends traditional models.● Designed a holistic educational approach centered around curiosity, play, equity, and autonomy.● Built a member-based organization dedicated to radically shifting perspectives on learning and education.● Cultivated a vibrant community that embraces diversity, inclusion, and a passion for lifelong learning.● Forged collaborations with microschools worldwide, connecting our homeschooling community globally and fostering cross-cultural exchanges.● Positioned Cottonwood NYC as a hub for educational innovation and collaboration.● Established and led a thriving community of homeschoolers, providing a dynamic space for growth, engagement, and connection for young people aged 5 and up.● Developed and implemented after-school enrichment programs, holiday camps, and summer camps, infusing creativity, adventure, and community building into each initiative.● Positioned Cottonwood NYC as a home-away-from-home for the Brooklyn community by hosting diverse events, including Reiki Workshops, art openings, house concerts, celebrations, and more.● Fostered a sense of belonging and community through engaging and inclusive events.● Enforced a commitment to non-discrimination, ensuring that Cottonwood NYC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or ethnic origin.
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  • Cottonwood Community
    Executive Director
    Cottonwood Community 2017 - Present
    Cottonwood Community stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, committed to reshaping the landscape of education and community engagement. Since 2017, I have proudly served as the Executive Director, steering the organization towards transformative practices and fostering a collaborative and dynamic community.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:● Guiding Cottonwood Community with a visionary approach, I have played a pivotal role in shaping its mission and strategic direction.● Focused on creating a community hub that goes beyond traditional models, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.● Cultivated a vibrant and diverse community by fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.● Established Cottonwood Community as a hub for shared experiences, learning, and community-driven initiatives.● Spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative educational programs catering to various age groups.● Introduced creative learning initiatives that prioritize curiosity, play, and lifelong learning.● Forged global partnerships and collaborations, positioning Cottonwood Community as a hub for global engagement.● Facilitated cross-cultural exchanges and collaborative initiatives with educational organizations worldwide.● Oversaw the planning and execution of diverse community events, including workshops, art openings, house concerts, and celebrations.● Positioned Cottonwood Community as a dynamic and inclusive space for a wide range of activities.● Led the development of educational initiatives, including after-school programs, holiday camps, and summer camps.● Ensured that each initiative aligns with the organization's mission of empowering individuals and fostering a love for learning.● Enforced and championed policies of inclusivity, ensuring Cottonwood Community does not discriminate on any basis.● Fostered an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels welcome and valued.
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  • Cottonwood Living Room School & Cooperative
    Director & Facilitator
    Cottonwood Living Room School & Cooperative 2014 - 2017
    As the Director and Facilitator at Cottonwood Living Room School & Cooperative, I took on a multifaceted role, overseeing the creation and growth of a preschool cooperative while implementing innovative learning approaches for children aged 2-6.Achievements:● Established and led a vibrant preschool cooperative catering to local families. This involved creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment that prioritized the development and well-being of children.● Developed a self-directed learning environment tailored to the needs of 18 children aged 2-6. The curriculum emphasized a holistic approach, fostering creativity, social skills, and a love for learning.● Doubled the size of the program each year, a testament to the success and popularity of the cooperative. This growth showcased the effectiveness of the educational model and the positive impact it had on the community.● Formed a strategic partnership with a private school, extending the program to accommodate school-age children. This initiative addressed the educational needs of a broader age group, promoting continuity and a seamless learning experience.● Trained and managed a team of four facilitators, ensuring alignment with the cooperative's philosophy and educational approach. This involved providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to enhance the facilitators' effectiveness in delivering high-quality education.
  • Wise River, Llc
    Educational Consultant
    Wise River, Llc 2011 - 2012
    As an Education Consultant with Wise River, LLC, I played a pivotal role in advancing educational initiatives in Montana, focusing on the Integrated School Mental Health Initiative (ISMHI) and Project REAL (Responsive Education for All Learners).Achievements:Integrated School Mental Health Initiative (ISMHI):● Community of Practice Webinars: Delivered training and technical assistance for Montana's ISMHI through the organization and facilitation of monthly Community of Practice webinars. These sessions served as a platform for collaboration, shared learning, and the dissemination of best practices in integrated school mental health.● Weekly Training/Technical Assistance: Provided weekly training and technical assistance sessions, contributing to the successful scaling of the ISMHI. This involved working closely with educators and stakeholders to implement effective strategies and interventions to support mental health within the school environment.Project REAL (Responsive Education for All Learners):● Stakeholder Workgroup Calls: Facilitated weekly conference calls with stakeholder workgroups as part of Montana's Project REAL. These calls were instrumental in fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with project goals.● Monthly Webinars for State School Administrators: Designed, presented, and provided technical assistance through monthly webinars aimed at state school administrators. These sessions served to disseminate information, share updates, and provide essential training to enhance the implementation of Project REAL, ultimately benefiting a diverse range of learners.
  • Office Of Public Instruction
    Program Improvement Specialist
    Office Of Public Instruction 2009 - 2011
    As a Program Improvement Specialist at the Office of Public Instruction, I spearheaded initiatives aimed at advancing mental health in schools, enhancing professional development opportunities, and overseeing vital programs in the field of education.Achievements:● Integrated School Mental Health Initiative: Orchestrated and facilitated a comprehensive statewide Integrated School Mental Health Initiative. This included organizing monthly workgroup webinars, Community of Practice meetings, and an annual conference that drew the participation of over 150 attendees. This initiative fostered collaboration, shared learning, and the implementation of best practices to support mental health in educational settings.● Supervision of Professional Development: Supervised a team of five trainers responsible for designing and delivering statewide professional development programs. These programs focused on Secondary Transition for youth, equipping teachers and parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to support students in their transition to post-secondary education and employment.● Administration of Speech-Language Pathology Traineeship Program: Managed the Speech-Language Pathology Traineeship program, a crucial initiative providing financial assistance totaling over $30,000 per year to educators pursuing speech-language licensure. This program played a pivotal role in addressing workforce needs, supporting educators in acquiring essential qualifications, and ultimately contributing to the improvement of speech-language services in schools.
  • Office Of Public Instruction
    Improvement/Compliance Specialist
    Office Of Public Instruction 2006 - 2009
    As an Improvement/Compliance Specialist at the Office of Public Instruction in Helena, Montana, I undertook a range of responsibilities to ensure procedural compliance and enhance the quality of special education services across the state.Responsibilities:● Executed comprehensive procedural compliance reviews for all 324 public school districts in Montana. ● Responded to inquiries and provided expert advice to parents, school personnel, consumers, and the general public on special education laws, rules, and practices. ● Organized and delivered 10 staff development programs annually, utilizing insights gained from compliance findings. ● Conducted thorough research and applied innovative design principles to create technical assistance documents.
  • Teach For America
    Teach For America Special Education Teacher
    Teach For America 2003 - 2005
    As a dedicated member of the Teach For America national teacher corps, I was honored to be selected from a pool of more than 13,000 applicants to commit two transformative years to teach in the under-resourced environment of Public School 75 in New York City.Achievements:● Academic Gains: Spearheaded efforts that led to significant academic progress, with 25% of students achieving two years of growth within a single academic year. This accomplishment underscored the effectiveness of tailored teaching methods in addressing the unique needs of the student population.● Curriculum Adaptation: Successfully adapted and differentiated the New York State 3rd-6th grade curriculum to suit the diverse learning requirements of special education students within a self-contained classroom setting. This involved crafting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) annually for each student, ensuring a personalized and supportive learning environment.● Teach For America Influence: Played a pivotal role in increasing the influence and impact of Teach For America at P.S. 75 by an impressive 90%. This involved actively engaging with the school community, fostering collaboration, and serving as a mentor to nine first-year teachers, contributing to their professional growth and success.● Grants and Resources: Demonstrated initiative by securing grants from DK Publishing and Donor’s Choose, resulting in the acquisition of 500 reading books. These resources significantly enriched the classroom experience, fostering a love for reading among students and enhancing the overall learning environment.
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Sara Casey Taleff Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Sara Casey Taleff

What company does Sara Casey Taleff work for?

Sara Casey Taleff works for Cottonwood Nyc

What is Sara Casey Taleff's role at the current company?

Sara Casey Taleff's current role is Founder and Executive Director.

What schools did Sara Casey Taleff attend?

Sara Casey Taleff attended Pace University, Northwestern University.

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