Meet Catherine Sagar | Founder & Director of Discovery School of Innovation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Sagar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
In college I studied both psychology and biology. I was always fascinated by the human brain and the science behind how people learn. After completing my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, I was able to merge my knowledge of education, psychology and biology to create the framework for our unique school. Add on 25 years of teaching experience, including several years teaching in some of the world’s top international schools, and you have the recipe for Discovery School of Innovation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I received my master’s degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. It was a high quality program that focused on research-based best teaching practices for children. However, I did not often see such practices in the schools. The focus seemed to be more on standardized testing than on the students. However, when I had the opportunity to move to Qatar and teach at the American School of Doha, that was eye-opening. This school was ranked #14 in the world for international schools. This was my first experience with an inquiry-based learning program that put children first. As a teacher and a parent with 2 boys in elementary school, it was an incredible educational atmosphere that was obvious from the very first day that I set foot in the building. Conceptual knowledge was valued over procedural knowledge, and the whole child was nurtured. Students were highly engaged and motivated to learn, and it was such a happy, fun environment all around. I had finally found a school that practiced research-based best teaching practices, and there was no turning back. After living and teaching in Qatar for 4 years, we moved back to Texas, and my children returned to public school. It was difficult to return to this more traditional learning environment. At that time, I set out on a quest to find a school that would offer a similar experience that we had overseas for my boys. I worked at 4 different local private schools, and still did not find anything similar to what we had experienced internationally. I had friends with children that had also moved back to Texas with us and they told me to stop looking because a school like that doesn’t exist here. I thought, “Why not?” That experience is what first motivated me to start Discovery School of Innovation.
I began to research and learn how to start a school, but my husband called me soon after that and told me that we had the opportunity to move to Singapore. I was thrilled to have another chance to explore the world.
The Singapore American School was ranked #7 in the world for international schools. Since I already planned to start a school upon my return to Texas in a few years, I learned as much as I could to create the optimal learning environment for teachers and children. I had the opportunity to teach surrounded and supported by some of the world’s best teachers and coaches. I also joined the leadership committee to learn about what happens “on the inside” to maintain a high-quality school.
When we returned to Texas, I started the school. It certainly wasn’t easy! There are still challenges every day, but you learn to overcome them one step at a time. When life gets rough, I go to Kindergarten! Spending time with the students is a constant reminder of our extremely important end goal of building future leaders.
I have been blessed with incredible experiences and ample opportunities to learn from renowned leaders in the field of education. Discovery School of Innovation is my way of giving back to our local children and the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always recommend that my friends and family visit the Houston area during the rodeo. It’s the most fun time of the year! Every visitor’s day one is Texas barbecue day. Our favorite spot is CorkScrew BBQ in the town of Spring. Day Two and Three would be spent at the rodeo. Day four would be a more relaxing day. We would go for a walk in the George Mitchell Preserve in the morning, and go to lunch at The Whistle Stop Tea Room in the town of Tomball in the afternoon. In the evening, we would visit The Woodlands Town Center and sit outside at Tommy Bahama’s for dinner. Hopefully, there would be a live band playing that evening. Day five through seven would be spent in Galveston. We would take walks on the beach, listen to the ocean, and visit with old friends. We would also schedule a fishing trip to San Luis Pass. These are a few of my favorite places in Texas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The saying, “It takes a village..” is how I would describe my journey to where I am today. There have been so many amazing people that have taught, supported, encouraged and influenced me along the way. However, the greatest contributor to my success is certainly my husband, James. He is my mentor, life coach, and teacher. His love and support have made my dream possible. We are aligned on our mission to make the world a better place. He always says that there’s nothing more important than creating future leaders.

Website: www.discoverysi.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/discoveryschoolofinnovation/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-sagar-067779208/

Facebook: Discovery School of Innovation: The Woodlands