Sarah-Jane Quessa M.A., C.A.G.S
Aventura, FL. 33180
E-mail: squessa@me.com
EDUCATION
2011-2015
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Doctor of Education, Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, & Leadership
Dissertation Tittle: Voices of Haitian Teachers: Teacher perception of professional
development in Haiti
2009-2011
University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, Educational Administration
2002-2003
Tufts University, Medford, MA
Masters of Arts, Teaching--Political Science/ Political Philosophy
1998-2002
Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Bachelors of Art in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature
Senior thesis: Negotiating Identity: Immigrant Narratives
LICENSES
2011
Massachusetts School Principal Licensure # 414158
2005
Massachusetts History Licensure # 414158
2005
Massachusetts English as a Second Language (ESL) Licensure # 414158
AWARDS & HONORS
1998-2002
Arturo Schaumburg Academic Honor
City of Boston Scholar
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Qualitative Research Methods
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Critical Race Theory in Education
Adult Learning Theory/ Transformational Theory
Teacher Education/ Teacher Professional Development
Teacher Development Internationally (Haiti)
English Language Learners (ELLs)
English Language Learners with Interruptions in their Formal Education
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
A. Research Experiences
2011-2015
Dissertation tittle: Voices of Haitian Teachers: Teacher perception of professional development
in Haiti
Principal Investigator: Dr. Billye Sankofa Waters
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2014- Present
Haiti Legacy Project, Miami, FL
Teachers Curriculum Developer
Principal Investigator: Dr. Guerda Nicolas
Project: Funded by Kellogg Foundation, this project focuses on teacher professional development
and providing access to history curriculum resources for teachers in Haiti.
Role: Developed Haitian history curriculum
B. Pedagogic Experiences
2010-2011
Lila G. Frederick Pilot Middle School Boston, MA
Principal Intern/ University of Massachusetts Boston
Supervisor: Mirko Chardin, Academy Leader
Performed classroom observations, provided teacher feedback with Academy Leaders, provided
pedagogy support and coaching to Humanities teachers and lead Humanities team through
curriculum development.
2003-2010
Young Achievers Science & Mathematics Pilot School Boston, MA
Humanities Teacher
Supervisor: Virginia Chalmers, Principal
Developed and implemented middle school multi-media, project-based, experiential Humanities
curriculum, which focused on human rights and social justice. Lead differentiated instruction in
inclusive classroom. Developed and implemented multiple forms of assessment from traditional to
non-traditional. Encouraged student exploration of the community through specific units of study.
2003-2010
Young Achievers Science & Mathematics Pilot School Boston, MA
Academic Advisor
Supervisor: Virginia Chalmers, Principal
Developed and implemented curriculum geared towards adolescent students’ development and social
and emotional growth. Advised students about grades and academic achievement on an on-going
basis. Establish family partnerships and involvement.
2003-2010
Young Achievers Science & Mathematics Pilot School Boston, MA
Next Schools Coordinator/ Graduation Coordinator
Supervisor: Virginia Chalmers, Principal
Designed and coordinated high school application process and placement with students and
families. Created and organized student portfolio and graduation requirements. Designed and
coordinated 8th grade mentor program.
2003-2010
Young Achievers Science & Mathematics Pilot School, Boston, MA
Teacher Mentor/ Humanities Team Facilitator
Supervisor: Virginia Chalmers, Principal
Mentored Teach Next Year students through their pre-practicum year in the classroom. Served as
an active member of School Site Council, Educational Leadership Team, and Social Justice Task
Force. Served as 8th grade Humanities curriculum teacher leader.
Sarah-Jane Quessa
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2003-2010
Young Achievers Science & Mathematics Pilot School, Boston MA
Supplemental Educational Services Coordinator
Supervisor: Virginia Chalmers, Principal
Coordinated free tutoring program providing students services in academic assistance in math,
reading and other educational interventions. Supervised and organized academic tutors.
Coordinated and provided curriculum needed for the tutoring program.
2002-2003
Boston Arts Academy Boston MA
Humanities Intern/ Tufts University
Dr. Linda Nathan, Principal
Implemented Freshmen Humanities I: Africa Lives Curriculum. Created units and co-taught the
Freshman Writing/Advisory. Assisted mentor teacher with execution of daily lesson plans for
sophomores and juniors.
PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
June 2014
Haiti Legacy Presentation at University of Miami, Florida
October 2014
Haiti Legacy Project teachers’ professional development workshop, Arcahaie, Haiti
AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
2014- Present
Challenging Racism & Empowering Communities through Ethno-cultural Research Team
2009- 2012
Young Professional Network
2003-2010
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
2003-2012
Boston Teachers Union (BTU)
LANGUAGES
Fluency in Haitian Creole
Developing fluency in French and Spanish
ADDITIONAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Sheltered English Instruction (SEI)
High Intensity Literacy Training for Students with Interruptions in their Formal Education (SIFE)
Project Management Training
Computer Skills: Proficient in MS Windows family
MS Office, Access, Excel, Inspiration, E-reader, Mediator, FileMaker Pro, Grade Keeper, Snap Grades
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