Since 1994, Sarah Briscoe, Ed.D., has worked at virtually every level of the education spectrum. The desire to have a more hands-on approach with teachers, students and the community has afforded Briscoe the opportunity to serve as principal of one of the St. Louis Public Schools’ most successful elementary-level institutions.
Briscoe has developed a formula for success at Bryan Hill Elementary School that combines motivation, inspiration and innovation to ensure each student is equipped with the necessary skills to be college or career ready. Briscoe’s success at Bryan Hill is a primary reason she has been chosen as one of the Excellence in Education Award winners by the St. Louis American Foundation.
“Teaching and learning is not a job you can do alone,” said Briscoe, who became principal at Bryan Hill in 2012. “My goal has been to help create a learning environment and build community in the College Hill area where all stakeholders feel welcome, safe and at home. As a leader, I want to motivate, empower and inspire others to be leaders. I want them to know that it is imperative that our students are exposed to innovative learning experiences, and use of technology paired with research-based teaching strategies that’s necessary in providing a quality education.”
Since the Wellsville, Missouri, native took the top spot at Bryan Hill, the school has been accredited with distinction for three years, received two technology grants totaling more than $75,000, received silver and bronze recognition awards from the state of Missouri, and achieved an average daily attendance rate of 95 percent or above. Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon also visited the school in 2014-15, and congratulated the staff and students for their achievements.
“That visit made me very proud,” Briscoe said. “I truly care about the people I work with, and Governor Nixon’s visit made them feel special. I have a vision to educate each and every student, and I work hard to make sure others share that vision. I’m transparent and I’m constantly working to motivate staff and parents to stay involved. I would never ask staff to do anything I wouldn’t do, and I will go to any degree to make sure students receive what they deserve in an effort for them to be the best students possible.”
Success in school did not come easily for Briscoe, although she recalls wanting to be a teacher ever since she could remember. She often played “school” with her aunts, though they never received a passing grade from the young “teacher.”
“As a child I was never an ‘A’ student, and school was really hard for me,” she recalled. “As an educator, I think about how I felt as a student and reflect on what did not work for me, such as whole group instruction for extended periods of time, worksheets and disconnected teachers.”
It did not deter Briscoe from achieving her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Harris-Stowe State College (now University), and followed that with a master’s degree in elementary school administration from Lindenwood University. She has capped that with a doctorate in education leadership from Maryville University.
During her career, Briscoe has taught and held administrative positions for both the SLPS and Hazelwood School District. She also has served as an adjunct instructor at both Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley.
Young students, Briscoe noted, must be guided by teachers who know their craft and have the passion to do whatever it takes to ensure their students’ academic achievement and success.”
“Students should know that their teachers care about them, and they should love learning and want to be at the school they attend,” Briscoe said. “They also should know their instruction levels and set goals regularly. Their reading and math levels should not be a secret to them.”
While working as a curriculum coordinator for SLPS, Briscoe visited schools to observe and evaluate instructional practices. Briscoe realized she could have a greater impact on changes needed by being on site in an administrative capacity. Following a conversation with SLPS Superintendent Kelvin Adams, Briscoe took the helm at Bryan Hill.
“I pride myself on being visible, approachable and on having high expectations,” Briscoe said. “I believe all students can learn. At the end of every day, I’m OK if I know I have given 110 percent and made decisions solely in the best interest of the students. I reflect daily and I listen to feedback and suggestions. I want students at Bryan Hill to have the same opportunities and quality of education that students from Ladue, Clayton and private schools would have.”
The opportunity Adams presented to Briscoe is not one she has taken for granted. Briscoe described Adams as someone who keeps her grounded, focused and motivated.
“I learn from Dr. Adams every time I come in contact with him, and I’m inspired by his creative and unique way of motivating those around him,” Briscoe said. “There is nothing Dr. Adams can ask me that I won’t do because I’m truly sold on his vision and style of leadership.”
