Beaty Early Childhood School 2026

Sarah Farish

Beaty Early Childhood School - Early Childhood Teacher
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Teaching Philosophy

As a pre-K special education teacher, my teaching philosophy is built on love, patience, and flexibility. I believe that you never stop learning as a teacher. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach that works, and you think, "That's it! I've learned everything there is to know about teaching pre-K!" Especially when working with young students who have behavioral needs. To be effective, I have had to learn to constantly adapt and change. I need to meet students, families, and other staff members where they are at that moment. It is my greatest skill to assess the current scenario, make a plan, and execute. Not only in the classroom, but also in ARD meetings, team meetings, behavior crises, or just a small group activity that went wrong.

First and foremost, I love my students with all of my heart. It is an honor to be a part of their first experience at school, the one who gives them confidence and makes school a safe and welcoming place for them and their family, regardless of the challenges they are facing. One of my favorite aspects of teaching is the privilege to witness so many small but monumental milestones, such as controlling their emotions instead of escalating or speaking for the first time or even simply walking from carpool to the classroom without crying. I work with students with significant behavioral needs and other sensory or communication needs. I take it very seriously that every staff member and peer respects these students and gives them a chance, makes space for them, and even encourages and helps them grow. They say it takes a village. I am lucky to be spending my career on a campus that not only embraces my students but also embraces all students.

At the core of my practice is patience and flexibility. I have learned these traits are necessary to be an effective teacher who grows students who love school and will continue on to be lifelong learners. Sometimes we can accomplish this goal in a week, but sometimes it can take an entire school year or even more! Progress takes time, especially when everything is a new experience and you are learning how to be successful at school. It takes a significant amount of patience and flexibility to help our youngest students adjust and start their educational journey. Three- and four-year-olds who have never been to school before or even away from their mom before have a difficult time adjusting to new routines and directions given to them by "strangers." This is compounded when additional factors are present, such as autism, trauma, or a communication delay. I personally feel this is when the job gets good. When we have the chance to use the tools we have learned over the years, we collaborate with staff and families until we come up with a creative solution to a recurring behavior issue or learning delay. For example, I had a student who came to us with extremely aggressive behaviors and would say very mean and hurtful things that appeared to be intentional. I spent a lot of time that year encouraging other staff around him to give him a chance. I knew there was more to the story. He did have an eligibility of autism; however, even to someone very knowledgeable and experienced in the characteristics of autism, it was hard to see that these hurtful things were a manifestation of his disability. The more I got to know him, I could see an interesting pattern: if you listened closely, the phrases he was saying were repetitive and never quite matched what was happening in the moment. I finally realized that although he has a very extensive vocabulary and a lot of spontaneous language,

He was also a Gestalt processor (learning language in chunks or phrases as opposed to single words, often repetitive phrases from TV or media). After collaborating with the family, we learned he had limited technology restrictions. Therefore, he was repeating phrases from YouTube that mimicked how he felt at the moment. The content at home was switched to exclusively PBS Kids. In two weeks, his aggressive language and behavior almost disappeared, and by the end of the school year, the whole school loved him and was cheering him on. Moments like these, where we get to think outside of the box, get creative, and strategize in order to have a monumental breakthrough, are what make this profession so rewarding, fun, and challenging all at the same time.

Ultimately, by approaching every day, every challenge, and every student with love and patience, I am able to create a nurturing and responsive learning environment where all students—especially those with significant behavioral needs—can feel safe, supported, and successful.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

Esteemed educator, poet, and author, Robert John Meehan, tells us "A gifted teacher is not only prepared to meet the needs of today's child but is also prepared to foresee the hopes and dreams in every child's future." At Beaty Early Childhood School, Sarah Farish rises to the top as an exceptionally gifted teacher and is a most worthy nominee for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year. In the unique world of Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), it takes a rare blend of educator expertise and deep-seated empathy to succeed. Ms. Farish does not just succeed; she transforms the lives of our students every single day!

Ms. Farish believes that every child, regardless of their starting point, possesses strengths to build upon for success. While she works with students who face significant behavioral hurdles, she looks past the challenges to see the individual. By treating every student with unwavering kindness and dignity—and training other staff to do the same—she ensures that her classroom and our school are a sanctuary where students feel safe, are able to take risks and grow to reach their potential.

What sets Ms. Farish apart is her "every minute counts" approach to education. She is a master of consistently capitalizing on individual learning opportunities with an incredible ability to recognize "teachable moments" throughout the day, using them to propel students toward independence and behavioral success.

Utilizing meticulous data collection, she adjusts her instruction and strategies in real-time. Because of her high expectations and organized systems, her students' mastery of their IEP goals, behavioral milestones, and academic skills is exceptional. She is not just teaching; she is "launching" children into their educational journeys with self-confidence and the abilities needed for Pre-K and beyond.

Beyond the walls of her own classroom, Ms. Farish serves as a vital resource for our entire campus. Her expertise in behavior management and individualized instruction is a gift she shares freely, supporting staff and students throughout the building. She is often found mentoring colleagues, offering specific, actionable strategies for students who may be struggling in various settings. Whether she is stepping in to assist with a difficult situation or collaborating on a complex intervention plan, Ms. Farish's primary focus is always the benefit and success of the student. Her willingness to share her knowledge ensures that her positive influence reaches far beyond her own roster, elevating the quality of education for every child on our campus.

Ms. Farish's colleagues recognize her as a pillar of expertise and a model of professional grace. As her peers have noted: "She is amazing at figuring out her students' needs. She has the flexibility and creativity to adapt to all students and truly has their best interests in mind. She anticipates difficulties before they occur and is always ready to collaborate."

Her ability to manage student behavior with grace and humor, while constantly implementing best practices, not only enhances positive outcomes for students, but it also makes her an invaluable asset to our campus. She is a true expert who proves every day that all children—no matter their needs—have the ability to learn and thrive.

Ms. Farish represents the very best of our profession. She is a visionary who balances the science of special education with the heart of a dedicated advocate. For her unwavering commitment, her mentorship of her peers, and the profound impact she has on our youngest learners, I am honored to recommend her for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year.

Kristen Fislar
Principal
Beaty Early Childhood School