SSD's Teacher of the Year works with MHS, OHS students

SSD's Teacher of the Year works with MHS, OHS students
Posted on 02/13/2020
Sarah NowellSpecial School District of St. Louis County named Mehlville High School’s Work Experience Coordinator its 2020 Teacher of the Year. 

Sarah Nowell has served as the Community-Based Vocational Instruction teacher at Mercy Hospital South for the past three years where she works directly with Mehlville School District high school students.

“Sarah is incredibly passionate and dedicated to helping her students be successful,” Mehlville High School Principal Jason Landherr said. “She is a vital part of student success in preparation for life after high school.  She has done a phenomenal job growing the program at Mercy Hospital South, which is having a positive impact on our Mehlville School District students.”

SSD invited Nowell’s family, current and former students to surprise her at the hospital with the award.

“I was in shock. I walked in and saw my family there standing next to my students,” Nowell said. “It was like my two worlds were colliding. It was nice to see their support. My students are the reason that I’m here, so it’s awesome to celebrate with them.” 

Nowell teaches students job skills and provides hands-on experience related to entry-level job positions within seven Mercy Hospital South departments.

Nowell has done an excellent job of preparing her students for life after graduation. Since she was hired, more than half of her students have been hired at Mercy Hospital South after earning their diploma. 

“On many occasions, I have heard feedback that she is the key reason students are hired into full-time and part-time positions at the hospital and in other businesses in the community,” said Sandy Kempf, Effective Practice Specialist-Transition at SSD. 

In addition to her work at Mercy Hospital South and Mehlville High School, Nowell also sponsors Friends Club which allows students to spend time together after school to strengthen social skills and build relationships.
The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].