Sara Mendez is a 2024-2025 Illinois Policy Fellow, teaches 7th and 8th grade English language development, co-teaches in other content area classes such as science and social studies, and is a case manager for all multilingual learners at Monmouth-Roseville Junior High School in Roseville, Illinois. She supports multilingual learners as they navigate and adjust to a new home and school, working to build a connection with students and their families. Sara was named the 2024 Illinois Bilingual Teacher of the Year. In 2008, she received her BA in elementary education, with an endorsement for teaching Spanish, from Monmouth College. Sara also completed an English language learners credential in 2014 from Western Illinois University.
