Hi! I’m Sarah Dugan,
fellow educator and founder of Teach Learn Thrive
Building on two decades in teaching and leadership roles in DC-area schools, I founded Teach Learn Thrive to support educators through effective and inspiring learning experiences.
After four years (and counting!) of professional growth for 450+ teachers and 100+ school and district leaders, Teach Learn Thrive has grown into a hub of teacher-joy, where educators at all levels can connect with each other and rededicate themselves to their purpose through professional development, coaching, wellness programming, and more.
Throughout my 10 years as a teacher, I adored my students, reveled in the content, and delighted in pushing students beyond their perceived limits.
Now, I love helping teachers stay empowered with new skills and tools, while reigniting their excitement for the important, necessary work we get to do.
My mission is to reconnect educators to their purpose in this work and empower them so they can continue thriving and impacting students’ lives.
I spent ten years as an instructional coach in suburban public schools with diverse student populations. Now, I draw on that experience and my expertise in Cognitive Coaching™, Adaptive Schools, and other facilitation techniques to provide educators with opportunities for professional growth and personal renewal as you continue your courageous work.
Above all, I share in your vision of a world where educators are valued, understood, and cared for.

Sarah Dugan
Founder | PD Creator and Presenter | Teacher Wellness Coach | Instructional Coach
B.A. in English Literature, Georgetown University
M. Ed. in Secondary Education, ELA focus, George Washington University
Trained in Adaptive Schools and Cognitive Coaching
Sarah’s
Fun Facts
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empowerment | growth | connection | collaboration | courage
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anything by Elena Aguilar
The Impact Cycle, Jim Knight
Mindset, Carol Dweck
Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools, Ron Richtart
The Presenter’s Fieldbook, Garmston
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Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin
The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt
Anything by Elizabeth Strout
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I grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts and attended Deerfield Academy.
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I live in Silver Spring, Maryland with my husband and our three energetic but charming children.
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Favorite place to be outside with my family: Wellfleet, Ma.
Favorite trail to run with friends: Rock Creek western ridge trail
Favorite dinner recipe (this week at least): Jerusalem turkey zucchini burgers
Favorite place to read: in front of the fire in winter; on the beach in summer
Greater educator joy, fulfillment, and excellence starts right here.
Partner with Teach Learn Thrive.
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PD Workshops
Strengthen community, mindset, and skill set of your greatest asset—your teaching faculty—with a one-time workshop or a yearlong PD series.
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Coaching
Expand teachers’ capacity with one-on-one coaching, a partnership approach providing customized, strategic support just right for each teacher’s needs.
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Custom Projects
Partner with Teach Learn Thrive for your unique teacher-support or leadership needs, to strengthen your success and your school community.