M.A. in Education, Claremont University
B.A. in Sociology, Pitzer College

Bilingual Cross-Cultural Education
Elementary Multiple Subject Teaching K-12

Sara Van Straalen has served as the Upper School Spanish teacher at St. Michael’s School since 2005. Originally from California, she spent a decade teaching bilingual (Spanish/English) education before relocating to Tucson in 2002.

Sara graduated from St. Lucy’s Priory High School in Glendora, California. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Pitzer College and a Master’s degree in Education from Claremont University, both in Claremont, California. She also earned credentials in Elementary Multiple Subject Teaching (K–12) and Bilingual Cross-Cultural Education in Spanish.

In addition to teaching Spanish, Sara advises both the National Junior Honor Society and the Student Council and leads the sixth-grade teaching team. Her dedication to her students shines each year through her coordination of one of St. Michael’s cherished traditions, El Día de los Muertos Procession and Mass. She is committed to creating an engaging learning environment that inspires a love of language and encourages students to explore their strengths. Sara strives to empower her students to become lifelong learners and active contributors to their communities.

She is also a proud parent of two children, both graduates of St. Michael’s.