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Sara is a Teacher-Librarian at the Whitney Institute Middle School in Flatt's, Bermuda. In addition to her work as the school's librarian, she teaches ICT to all year levels and IGCSE English to year 9 students who take the exam two years early, serves as the Content Teacher Leader for the Electives Department, and assists as an educational technology coach. She is also a Certified Google Trainer, providing professional development for teachers in Bermuda and around the world, a National Geographic Certified Educator, and an advocate for Autism awareness in education.
Prior to becoming an educator, Sara has worked in marketing, journalism, and youth ministry.
EdD Education - University of Sheffield, commencing September 2022
PGCE Education - University of Sunderland, June 2017
MSc Library & Information Studies (Merit) - Robert Gordon University, June 2016
Certificate, Advanced Creativity Training for Writers (Writeriffic 2) - College of Global Economics, Earthnet Institute, 2004
Diploma in Copywriting - Institute of Copywriting, 2003
Certificate in Sub-Editing - London School of Journalism, 2002
Certificate in Freelance and Feature Writing - London School of Journalism, 2001
Mandarin Chinese (non-degree) - Hunan Normal University, China, 1998
BSc Religion - Youth Ministry (Summa Cum Laude) - Liberty University, 1996
Areas of Interest
Areas of Interest
Autism Education - Inclusion, Literacy
Educational Technology
Differentiated Teaching & Learning
Neurodiversity
Value and Impact of School Libraries, Qualified School Librarians
Teacher Development
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EdD Research Focus
EdD Research Focus
I am keenly interested in how school libraries can benefit autistic students, particularly in regard to promoting literacy and social skills. However, I am also passionate about ensuring all classroom teachers, especially those in general education/mainstream classrooms, are equipped to work with neurodiverse students.
Through my experience as both an educator and a parent in the Bermuda Public School System, I have encountered a wide range of attitudes and perspectives on autism, learning differences, 'behavioural challenges', diffferentiation and disability within our culture. As such, I am looking to explore teacher attitudes towards and receptiveness of neurodiverse students, notably autistic students, within the BPSS through a series of semi-structured interviews with educators at all levels, including preschool, primary, middle and high school. In order to do this, I also endeavour to look closely at definitions of autism, neurodiversity, disability and behavioural management (i.e. challenging behaviours), particularly in reflection of Bermudian culture and society through a neurodiverse-friendly lens, utilising a phenomenological approach to Narrative Oriented Inquiry (NOI) with a thematic analysis of the data that emerges.
Working Title: Unwanted? Teacher perspectives and receptiveness to autism and neurodiversity in the Bermuda Public School System
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Publications & Presentations
Publications & Presentations
Westhead, S. (2022). "Autism in the Classroom" [presentation], RED: Bermuda Union of Teachers 39th Annual Conference. 24 October. Available at: https://youtu.be/b68H6ZD7Rgc
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