Sarah Pulliam is an Outstanding Educator
Sarah Pulliam is a social studies teacher at Portage High School in the Portage Community School District, and she is a 2023-24 Outstanding Educator who will be recognized at the September 24 Wisconsin Badgers Volleyball match at the UW Field House.
Sarah has taught in Portage for 21 years and is the head coach of the Portage girls and boys tennis teams, the National Honor Society advisor, and a Homecoming and Prom co-advisor. Earlier this year, Sarah won the Portage Community School District Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education.
“Sparking the interest for history in my students, watching my students engage with history, and encouraging my students to be lifelong learners and active citizens motivates me each day,” Sarah said. “My favorite parts of my work are getting to teach history to some of the best young people in Wisconsin, and getting to work with an AMAZING group of colleagues. We support and push each other to grow as educators.”
Sarah was inspired to teach by her own teachers. As a student, she saw and felt the love they had for their profession and for the material they taught. Sarah wanted to have that kind of professional life–and she wanted to pay it forward.
“I chose to go into education because I had amazing educators that were passionate about the teaching profession. I wanted to share my passion for history with young people, the best way to do that was to become a high school Social Studies teacher,” she says. “I am proud of the inclusive and safe classroom environment I have created for students
during my career as an educator. I am proud of the lasting relationships I have built with students, and will continue to provide a safe space for students to feel excited to learn.”
Sarah was nominated to be a Badgers Outstanding Educator by Elizabeth Hansen, a colleague in the Portage High School social studies department who sees first-hand the passion and commitment that drive Sarah to help her students embrace learning and succeed in life.
“Sarah is an exemplary educator whose passion for teaching in her 21-year career is evident in the enthusiasm she brings to her history classroom each and every day. She works with all learners and works to instill a love for all topics in history most notably the women of American History and the Medal of Honor program. She has participated in numerous national programs to further her learning and brings that back to her classroom in a way that brings history alive and keeps it relevant for her students,” Elizabeth says. “Our students and school are lucky to have her!”
Do you or a Wisconsin public school teacher you know deserve extra recognition as an Outstanding Wisconsin Educator? If so, complete this nomination form on the Wisconsin Badgers Athletic Department website. The form asks you to write a paragraph or two about what makes this educator stand out. Educators are welcome to nominate themselves.
The Badgers Outstanding Educator program is part of a partnership between WEAC, University of Wisconsin Athletics, and WEA Member Benefits. Winners will be chosen among Badgers Outstanding Educator nominees, and will receive a Wisconsin Badgers VIP experience and plaque.
