Newly minted UCF EdD graduate Sarah Hall ’14MEd ’25EdD is leading statewide efforts to improve literacy and empower educators across Florida. (Photo by CCIE Communications)
For some people, choosing a career path is among the most difficult decisions they’ll face. Sarah Hall ’14MEd ’25EdD, on the other hand, has known her calling since early childhood.
“When my neighbors and I went trick-or-treating on Halloween, I always dressed up as a teacher,” Hall says. “I couldn’t wait to be a teacher, and I knew the kind of teacher I wanted to be. I always knew that was going to be my path.”
Fast forward to present day, and Hall is celebrating her latest major achievement in her storied career: She recently graduated with her doctorate from the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education’s educational leadership program, housed in the College of Community Innovation and Education. Hall is also a double Knight, having earned her master’s in reading education in 2014.
Hall taught for two decades and currently works as the state regional literacy director for the Florida Department of Education, where she uses data-driven solutions to improve education for children throughout the state. Committed to improving her practice by learning as much as possible in her field, she actively seeks a range of work and volunteer opportunities across various educational settings and contexts.
“I’ve taught almost every single grade level — kindergarten through 12th grade,” Hall says. “I’ve taught as a regular classroom teacher, a content-specific teacher and a special-area teacher. I’ve taught both virtually and face-to-face. It’s important for me to have experience in all these different spaces because it makes me a more well-rounded educator. It also helps me connect better with more educators.”
That drive to refine her craft and build relationships led Hall over a decade ago to UCF, where she first explored her passion for student literacy in the reading education program. While earning her master’s degree, she taught in Orange County Public Schools and volunteered at the reading clinics hosted at UCF’s Teaching Academy.
After graduating with her master’s, Hall taught at UCF for six years as an adjunct faculty member. Then, motivated to strengthen her knowledge of educational policy, she decided to pursue a doctorate and joined Cohort 13 of the educational leadership program. Hall says her experience in the master’s program inspired her to complete her education at UCF.
“UCF was such a natural choice because of the relationships I’d already built here,” Hall says. “I had mentored students here, I knew and respected so many faculty members here, and I had taken many student interns into my classroom from here. I wanted to continue investing in these relationships, and I wanted UCF to continue to invest in me.”
Daniel Eadens, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education, served as Hall’s dissertation chair. He says Hall and her achievements serve as an inspiration to all who strive to make a difference in education.
“Dr. Sarah Hall embodies the excellence, leadership and passion that define our doctoral program,” Eadens says. “As an outstanding scholar-practitioner and visionary educator, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to transforming literacy education. I have had the privilege of working with many exceptional students, but Dr. Hall truly stands among the very best I’ve encountered in my career.”
In addition to earning her terminal degree, Hall also recently received several awards for her contributions to the field of education. This year, she received the Scholar Leader Award for her work in the educational leadership program, and she was named a Distinguished Alumnus at the college’s most recent Celebration Knight. She says she feels complimented and honored to receive these recognitions after so many years of hard work.
“Receiving the Scholar Leader Award was really special because it validated the effort I put into growing as a leader,” Hall says. “The alumnus award was an incredible full-circle moment because I was able to publicly thank the professors who shaped me as a professional.”
Going forward, Hall plans to continue working closely with school district leaders to ensure every child in Florida receives high-quality literacy instruction. She says she enjoys working on school campuses because it gives her a firsthand look at how students are learning, how educators are feeling, and how she can provide support.
“As someone who makes data-driven decisions, I always remember that every single number I look at represents a child,” Hall says. “Balancing those qualitative and quantitative aspects helps me stay mindful when making choices that affect children.”
Hall says she also looks forward to gaining new insights and perspectives as she continues to support educational agencies.
“I am excited about what’s to come,” Hall says. “So many opportunities come from learning something new, and I remain compelled to learn and grow throughout my career. Wherever I am, I want to keep impacting the community positively and with the spirit of Knight Nation.”