Sarah Murray

Dynamic Teacher-Librarian skilled at creating inclusive classroom experiences that drive student success, with a proven track record at the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Adept at integrating technology to enhance student engagement and foster critical thinking. Committed to creating a positive learning environment, I inspire academic success through differentiated instruction and collaboration, ensuring all students achieve their potential.

• collaborated and designed a deep learning project to explore the use of AI tools in the English classroom. The results inspired peers to take risks to learn about AI
• led staff in a book study of Reclaiming Our Students, Why Children are More Anxious, Aggressive and Shut Down than Ever by Hannah Beach and Tamara Strijack to help new educators support troubled teens more effectively
• as the union co-chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, submitted two recommendations to senior administration to improve processes for slips and falls in the parking lot and to improve the air quality
• ran student engagement clubs for Anime, StarWars, Queers and Allies, Red Maple Readers, Dungeons and Dragons to increase student belonging and engagement
• offered Character education workshops to educators and parents inspired by Lee Water's research to teach and parent from a place of growth versus deficit
• promoted and coordinated YouthNet workshops: Wellness 101, Stressless and How to Help a Friend to give students tools to support their mental health and well-being
• facilitated Algonquin Student Nurses with an anti-vaping and Cannabis awareness campaign in 2019
• inspired critical thinking through the Freedom to Read "Get Caught Reading a Banned Book" initiative to cultivate perspective taking in students and staff
• implemented the Fall and Spring Hot Docs Film Festival to engage in current documentary film perspectives with over 1000 views
• designed and organized a 7/8 Cardboard Arcade fundraiser for Razia's Ray of Hope Foundation 2018
• hosted an annual 7/8 Hackergals Hackathon for 60 female students in 2020 to offset the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• received positive media coverage for the Face to Face Time initiative inspired by Sherry Turkle's research
• published Flipgrid article in the Canadian School Libraries Journal to inspire educators to use video in lesson planning

Ontario Library Association

Past Member of the Editorial Board for the Canadian School Libraries Journal

Active Member of the School Leadership Team

Ottawa Bicycle Club

• ESL Part 1-2 Certification
• Google Educator Certification
• Anti-Racist English Classroom Certification
• Family Studies Part 1 Certification
• Joint-Health and Safety Certification

I am an avid sailor and cyclist with a recent interest in gravel biking. I will participate in the Gravelle du Park 40 km race in September. I enthusiastically embrace the outdoors as the positive impact of nature is essential to my well-being.