• Current High School Math Teacher with CCSD

• 8 years teaching math in middle school and high school

• Bachelors Degree in Mathematics Education

• Masters Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education

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My Journey to Teaching

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Hi, I'm Sara Quarnberg, and I’m a high school math teacher. It's amazing to look back and realize that teaching math has truly become my calling. But it wasn’t always this way. Growing up, I struggled with math. In middle school and high school, I never felt like a "math person." I thought I just wasn’t smart enough to succeed in it. That mindset made math feel like an insurmountable challenge.

It wasn’t until I got to college that things began to change. I was fortunate to have several incredible math professors who not only taught me the material but helped me recognize my potential as an academic. Their encouragement and belief in me showed me that with hard work, perseverance, and dedication, I could master complex concepts and succeed. That was a life-changing realization.

I spent 15 years working in the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) trades as a Project Manager in Silicon Valley and Las Vegas. During this time, I had the privilege of working on some exciting projects like the Children’s Discovery Museum in Las Vegas, The District at Green Valley, Green Valley Methodist Church, and numerous office buildings, hospitals, and tenant improvements in the Las Vegas Valley. I became comfortable working with numbers, data, and contracts every day. While my career in project management was rewarding, the experience sparked a deeper passion for education and teaching.

That’s when I decided to make a significant career shift. I returned to school to become a math teacher because I wanted to help students who, like me, may not feel confident in their abilities. I wanted to show them that education is for everyone, and with the right mindset, anyone can succeed in math. It’s been a humbling and incredibly fulfilling journey to get here.

As a math teacher, my goal is to help students build fluency with basic math facts and develop their logic and reasoning skills. I want them to understand that math isn’t just about numbers—it's about critical thinking and problem-solving. Above all, I want them to leave my class knowing that they are capable, confident, and ready to take on new challenges.

I am beyond grateful to be in this role, and I feel privileged to work with the next generation of learners. My hope is that every student who walks into my classroom feels empowered to succeed, no matter where they start.