Sarah is originally from Littleton, Colorado. However, she has called Memphis home for over 7 years now. Sarah graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and relocated to Memphis with Teach for America. She was a founding teacher at a Memphis-based charter network and taught there for 6 years. She also taught within the Shelby County School District for 1.5 years. In her free time, she likes to read, be outdoors, and spend time with her dog, Roscoe.

Vaughn Thompson has been a champion for educational equity from his roots in Brooklyn, NY.
After graduating from Clark University in Worcester, MA with a BA in Political Science, he
returned to NYC and began a career in finance. After working for several Wall Street firms
including Salomon Smith Barney, he decided to pursue the dream of his life in a field that was
short on praise but more personally fulfilling- education. As a teacher and mentor in Brooklyn,
NY while getting an MST from Pace University, Vaughn was increasingly focused on leadership.
Vaughn later joined New Leaders for New Schools (Cohort 4) as a principal resident.
Vaughn was able to hone his skills in education leadership as school leader. After serving as
principal and founding school leader in NYC, Vaughn continued his career in educational
leadership as a consultant to schools and also assumed the position of Curriculum and
Instruction director in various educational settings, both charter and district. As a consultant, he
brought his expertise and experiences as an instructional leader to assist the leadership at
several charter schools in growing a solid progressive educational agenda that puts students
first. He has also consulted with and provided leadership guidance for other growing educational
entities focused on increasing student achievement throughout the country. Vaughn continued to
work tirelessly to mold the young minds of our geniuses, especially young men of color. Vaughn
Thompson humbly served as the founding principal of Eagle Academy for Young Men of
Newark, the first all-boys public school in the state of New Jersey.
He joined Achievement Network 6 years ago. In this role, Vaughn served as Executive Director
of The Achievement Network Tennessee. He has since taken on the role of Executive Director,
Partnership Development with Achievement Network for the Southern Region. He continues to
provide support and guidance to districts and schools across the country as they look to
improve outcomes in teaching and learning for all students. As a champion for equity especially
for men of color, Vaughn continues to support grassroots initiatives like Man Up towards
success.
As a married father of three boys with Tichanda Thompson, Vaughn remains focused on
improving the lives of students and families through supporting and developing instructional
leaders, teachers, coaches, and district personnel.