Javier Saavedra, Operations Team Member
Pathway: Design & Innovation
As a vital member of the Operations Team, Javier Saavedra saw the Pathways program as an exciting opportunity for professional growth. He was especially interested in the Design and Innovation pathway, where he recognized the potential to apply Design Thinking techniques to develop more effective solutions for the Operations Department.
Before the official launch of the Pathways program, Javier was offered a unique opportunity. In the summer of 2023, he traveled to Mexico City alongside Lorraine Martinez Hanley, Director of Professional Growth Pathways, and Chuck James, Design & Innovation Pathway Leader. The visit was part of the CTTL’s Science of Teaching & School Leadership Academy held at Colegio Merici. While he didn’t attend the Academy itself, Javier played an important role by advising Colegio Merici on strategies to improve and modernize their facilities.
Now, he uses the experience to help inform his work on the Design and Innovation Pathway. Having recently completed Level One of the pathway, he is currently in the Level Two Seminar Group and is working towards eventually completing the entire pathway.
“My experience at Colegio Merici was incredibly valuable for me because it made me take that first step out of my comfort zone. It showed me that I’m capable of taking on a project where I’m able to gather everything I have learned at St. Andrew’s and put that knowledge to work. Especially going back to my home country and being able to collaborate with another school. It was a project that gave me the opportunity to explain, show, and give my suggestions with the goal of creating a better setting for their school.”
Sara McAuliffe, Middle & Upper School English Teacher
Pathway: School Leadership (Co-Leader)
English teacher Sara McAuliffe has been deeply involved in the development of the Pathways program from the start. She currently Co-Leads the School Leadership Pathway - an initiative she embraced to expand her own leadership experience. She contributed to the program through her work on the Pathways Task Force and the Pathways Advisory Committee, and played a key role in designing the School Leadership Pathway.
Now in her sixth year at St. Andrew’s, McAuliffe also serves as a student advisor, and co-leads the “First Two Years at St. Andrew’s” mentorship program for new faculty and staff.
The pathways work has been critical in helping me breathe life into my vision for growth. Developing the pathways from task force to pilot seminar allowed for experience and application, outside of the classroom that is, in turning an idea into action. It also fostered my sense of self-efficacy while building a blueprint for my next steps and the next steps for the pathways. To me, the commitment to developing and implementing these pathways signals that St. Andrew's is invested in supporting our growth as mentors, educators, leaders, designers, and practitioners of belonging.
Brittany Shields, Chemistry and Forensics Teacher
Pathway: Diversity & Belonging
What happens when a police officer trades a badge for a lab coat? Brittany Shields, once part of the Metropolitan Police Department, now brings her real-world experience into her chemistry and forensic science classrooms. Driven by a commitment to excellence, she aspires to become a master teacher - deeply skilled in content delivery - and is passionate about advancing Diversity, Equity, and Belonging (DEB) initiatives. She actively seeks opportunities to mentor and lead both students and colleagues across the school community. Five years into her teaching career, she currently serves as Science Department Faculty, Faculty Sponsor of the Students of Color Association, 10th Grade Advisor, and Head Track & Field Coach.
Brittany is a current participant in Level 1 of the Diversity & Belonging Pathway and credits the People of Color Conference - a Level 1 requirement - with igniting her interest in exploring innovative ways to support and connect with students from diverse backgrounds.
"The existence of the Professional Growth Pathways gives me the opportunity to explore different leadership pathways and envision how I might grow in my career. I’m participating in workshops, seeking support to attend conferences, and enrolling in continuing education courses to support my growth. I want to ensure I take the steps needed to help me reach my goals and allow me to lead with impact and purpose."