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New Story Schools is proud to grow our community in Athens, Ohio with a focus on student-centered learning and support. Leading the way is Athens Principal Sarah Smith. Learn about Sarah’s journey into special education, her collaborative leadership style, and her vision for the future of New Story Schools’ Athens campus - where every student is understood, supported, and celebrated for progress no matter how big or small.

What brings you to New Story Schools?

I’ve always been passionate about supporting students who learn differently and helping them find success in ways that truly work for them. New Story Schools provides an environment where students with unique learning needs receive individualized support, structure, and encouragement to thrive.

What drew me here specifically was the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside a team of educators who genuinely care about students and their families. I believe every child deserves a school where they feel understood, supported, and capable - and New Story gives us the chance to create that environment every day.

What’s your leadership style?

My leadership style is very collaborative and relationship-focused. I believe strong schools are built on trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for students.

One phrase I often reference with our team is, “Be curious, not judgmental.” When challenges arise, I encourage our staff to ask questions, support one another, and focus on solutions rather than blame.

What do you like most about working in the special education field?

What I love most about special education is the opportunity to celebrate growth that might otherwise go unnoticed. Progress can look different for every student, but those small victories such as learning a new skill, communicating a need, and building confidence are incredibly meaningful.

During my many years working in special education, I’ve learned that students who learn a little differently simply deserve the time, patience, and support needed to help them succeed. Their success matters just as much as anyone else’s, and it’s incredibly rewarding to walk alongside them as they grow.

This field also allows us to truly individualize learning and meet students where they are. I love getting to know students as individuals so we can build on their strengths, support their challenges, and help turn moments of struggle into moments of success. Seeing students gain independence, confidence, and joy in learning is what makes this work so meaningful.

What makes you excited about working at New Story Schools?

What excites me most about New Story is the incredible team of people who come together every day for our students. Our staff are dedicated, compassionate, and constantly looking for ways to improve and grow in order to better support the children and families we serve.

It’s equally rewarding to hear students who may have struggled in other school settings talk about how much they enjoy coming to school and how much they love their teachers. As someone who knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in second grade, helping create an environment where students can rediscover confidence and fall back in love with learning truly warms my heart.

Together with our families and community, we work to create a school where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their potential.

How would you describe New Story Schools’ Athens campus?

The Athens campus is a supportive, student-centered environment where every learner is valued. Our team works hard to create a structured and positive space where students can build academic skills, develop confidence, and learn strategies that help them succeed in school and beyond.

What truly makes Athens special is the sense of community. Our staff work closely together, support one another, and celebrate the successes of our students every day.

Where do you see Athens a year from now?

A year from now, I see our Athens campus continuing to grow—both in the impact we have on students and in the connections we build within the community.

My goal is for Athens to be known as a place where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, and where families feel confident their children are receiving the individualized care they deserve.

I also hope to continue strengthening our team culture so that Athens remains a place where staff feel proud to work and students feel proud to learn.

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