Get To Know Me!

Hello!

My name is Sarah Wollman, but to my students, I'm simply Ms. W! I am a proud Graduate Student at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue, New York. I am a Certified Teacher in General Education (Pre K–6) and Special Education (Pre K–6). Additionally, I specialize in Literacy and am a Certified Literacy Specialist for grades Pre K–12.

St. Joseph’s University has truly prepared me to be an extraordinary educator. The university holds its students to the highest standards, encouraging excellence, integrity, confidence, and preparation. Thanks to their exceptional program, I am ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of education!

As a Substitute Teacher, I have the incredible privilege of working with over 300 students! I believe in building strong academic and personal connections with every student I meet. Creating a safe, welcoming environment is my top priority because when students feel understood and supported, they thrive!

Watching my students grow — from the smallest milestones to their greatest achievements — brings me endless joy. While I have the honor of teaching them, the true gift is what they teach me every day.

Teaching is my passion, and my students are the heart of everything I do!

FUN FACT

Here’s a fun fact about me—I also have a degree in Photography! I’ve been a professional photographer for 13 amazing years. My love for photography started when I was just 13 years old, and that hobby quickly grew into a lifelong passion. I went on to study it at Suffolk County Community College, and after graduating, I dove headfirst into the fashion world.

I spent several years photographing for a clothing company, and I also captured countless weddings, events, and—my absolute favorite—family portraits. I’ve always loved making people feel seen, celebrated, and beautiful through my lens.

But after many fulfilling years behind the camera, I felt another dream calling me—one I knew could make an even bigger impact. I had always wanted to become a teacher! So I thought, why not follow both of my passions? That’s when I made the exciting decision to go back to college and begin a new chapter.

The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was full of perseverance, heart, and growth. And now, as I near the end of my college journey, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to be turning another dream into reality. The best part? I get to share this journey with my students and hopefully inspire them to chase their own dreams too.

Always follow your heart—it might just lead you somewhere amazing!

Welcome to a Honey Bee Adventure!

There’s something truly special about spending time with my dad in the backyard where we have two thriving beehives! Beekeeping isn't just a hobby for us—it's a family tradition, a way of connecting with nature, and a chance to learn from one another. The sound of buzzing bees, the gentle hum of the hive, and the shared satisfaction of working with these incredible creatures make every moment memorable.

Every time we suit up and head to the apiary, it feels like an adventure. My dad has taught me so much about the delicate balance of nature and the hard work that goes into keeping bees healthy and productive. We carefully inspect the hives, checking the frames for honey, pollen, and signs of a strong, thriving colony. It’s always exciting to see how the bees are doing. Beekeeping is also very humbling, it requires patience and a deep understanding of the bees’ needs.

SAVE THE BEES!

LET ME GROW

Just like the growing minds of my students, I also like to grow my own veggies! There’s something incredibly satisfying about tending to a garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the act of planting seeds, nurturing growth, and watching life flourish is a rewarding experience that brings peace and joy. Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a therapeutic activity that connects me to nature. It encourages patience, as plants grow at their own pace, and it teaches us the importance of nurturing life—one seed at a time (just like the minds of my students). Plus, there’s the added benefit of fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers to enjoy!

Make it Colorful!

Have you ever walked along the beach, your feet sinking into the sand, when something shiny catches your eye? It’s a piece of smooth, colorful glass that has been transformed by the ocean into a tiny treasures. Sea glass is made when glass bottles, jars, or other discarded glass items are tumbled by the ocean’s waves, slowly smoothing the rough edges and turning the once-sharp shards into beautifully polished pieces. This natural process can take years, even decades, but the end result is nothing short of magical. The colors of sea glass range from clear to shades of green, blue, brown, and even rarer colors like red, purple, and turquoise.

Being a teacher is a lot like sea glass.

Sea glass begins as something ordinary—just a piece of broken glass. But over time, with the push and pull of the tides, the tumbling of waves, and the soft patience of nature, it transforms into something beautiful, unique, and full of character.

Teaching is much the same. We meet students where they are—sometimes rough around the edges, sometimes unsure of their place in the world. Through patience, encouragement, and gentle guidance, we help shape them over time. We smooth the sharp edges, help them see their worth, and give them the space to shine.

Just like sea glass, every student is different. No two pieces are the same, and each one has a story. As teachers, we have the privilege of helping them discover their beauty, strength, and purpose.

And just like collecting sea glass, teaching requires a keen eye, a deep appreciation for small moments, and the belief that even the most unexpected pieces can become treasures.

Always remember—your are, unique, beautiful and loved!

Make a Difference!

Make it shine, make it stand out, make a difference!

I became a teacher to make a difference in the world.

6/17/2003