At The Efficacious Educator, we envision a world where educators are empowered to solve real challenges collaboratively—transforming student engagement, classroom management, and school climate through collective efficacy and research-based action. We aim to support schools and districts at scale with timely, high-support, and low-cost coaching, rooted in trauma-informed practices, developmental science, and theories of human motivation and behavior.
Our Vision
Our mission is to equip teachers and school leaders with just-in-time, research-backed strategies that address pressing challenges in student behavior, engagement, and school culture. Through coaching, consultation, and storytelling—via our podcast, newsletter, and professional learning series—we uplift the power of collective problem-solving and bring practical, scalable solutions to life.
Our Mission
1. Collective Efficacy
We believe educators thrive when they solve problems together. By fostering collaboration across roles, identities, and perspectives, we unlock the power of shared leadership to drive meaningful change.
2. Research-Informed Practice
We bridge the gap between theory and action. Grounded in trauma-informed care, developmental science, and evidence-based frameworks, our tools and coaching turn research into results.
3. Equity & Access
All educators deserve support—regardless of budget or context. We provide high-support, low-cost coaching and consultation so every school community can access what works.
Our Core Values
At The Efficacious Educator, our work is grounded in the following values:
4. Real-World Impact
We focus on practical, scalable solutions that respond to the real challenges educators face. Our podcast, case studies, and coaching lift up what's working—and how to bring it to scale.
5. Liberation Through Learning
We help educators reclaim their agency. By supporting critical thinking, courageous collaboration, and shared ownership of school culture, we build conditions for lasting transformation.
6. Timely Support
Educators shouldn’t have to wait for answers. Our work delivers just-in-time strategies and tools—when schools need them most.
Sarah's expertise stems from her 25 year career in education. Her journey began teaching middle and high school science for a decade in Denver. She became an Assistant Principal and quickly realized she had more to learn so she attended the school leadership program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. After graduate school, Sarah worked in Denver Public Schools as a Peer Observer and then found a home with the educational nonprofit, Engaging Schools. She spent the next decade of her career supporting schools and districts to embed social emotional learning, improve schoolwide climate and culture, develop systemic changes to discipline, and increase effective teacher practice.
Sarah A. Bialek, Ed.M., Founder
Sarah collaborated with co-authors Carol Miller-Lieber, Donna Mehle, and Michele Tissiere to publish Engaged Classrooms: The Art and Craft of Reaching and Teaching All Learners, published in 2019 by Engaging Schools. She also was a contributing author on the white paper, Embedding Social and Emotional Learning in High School Classrooms, released in 2019. She was the recipient of the Mile High Teacher Award in 2007, has a B.A. in Environmental Science and teaching certificate from the University of Colorado, Boulder (1998), and a Master’s Degree in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (2011). Sarah lives in Durango, CO, with her husband and two daughters.
Contact us
Interested in learning more? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!