Voices of UMF: Sarah Reynolds

“UMF is a place where you are never just a number; everyone from every department is genuinely rooting for you and wants to see you succeed.”

Sarah Reynolds is a 2026 graduate of UMF’s Masters of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Administration. She is currently a K-5 Math Interventionist at RSU 9. In 2014, she was named County Teacher of the Year. Sarah was nominated by faculty as a student of note and took a few moments to share some thoughts on her journey at UMF and as a leader in education.

“My time at UMF has been defined by a culture of encouragement and personalized mentorship that has empowered me to grow far beyond my original expectations. As a UMF Alumnus, I already had firsthand experience with the high quality of education and the supportive faculty. That prior connection, combined with the convenient proximity to my home and work, made returning to UMF an easy decision. I knew it would be the perfect fit for my professional goals and my schedule.

The professors aren’t just lecturers; they are invested in each student’s individual success. My professors have been extremely encouraging throughout this entire journey, and all of them have been willing to go above and beyond our class time to support me whenever I had questions or needed additional feedback. Their responses to my submitted work were thorough and supportive, and I’ve created some life-long connections with professors throughout my time at UMF. I cannot thank the following UMF faculty and staff enough: Catherine Wimett, Paul Gies, Shannon Larson, Paul Knowles, Jon Moody, Meredith Swallow, Kathryn Will, and Kim Hilton. Their constant support and encouragement have helped me grow into the teacher and leader I am today.

I am most proud of my evolution as a writer and the way I have embraced writing as a tool for self-discovery. Throughout this journey, I have grown tremendously as a reflective learner, finding out more about who I truly am as a person and as a leader. This process allowed me to move beyond the classroom, turning every assignment into an opportunity for personal growth and giving me the confidence to lead with a clearer sense of purpose.

I have always pursued opportunities to be a teacher leader, but with this Master’s in Educational Leadership, I now feel fully equipped to lead at a higher level. While this degree will certainly support my family financially, its impact goes much deeper. On a personal level, I now feel empowered as a woman to step into significant leadership roles with confidence, knowing I have the tools and the voice to make a meaningful difference in the future of education.”