Trailblazers at BASIS: Honoring Women’s Leadership in Education
As Women’s History Month kicks off, BASIS takes immense pride in celebrating the influential women within our network—from Heads of School to teachers and staff members.
One standout leader in our community is Sarah Chavez, a subject expert science teacher at BASIS San Antonio Shavano. Beyond her role as an educator, Sarah is a BASIS parent, deeply engaged in the academic and personal development of her students and children. This year, Sarah’s students clinched four of the seven spots allotted to the Alamo area for the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), a testament to her exceptional mentorship.
Q&A with Sarah Chavez
Q: What drives your passion for science, and how do you inspire that in your students?
A: What truly ignites my passion for science is its ability to explain the everyday wonders around us. It’s fun, it’s constantly evolving, and it provides a framework for understanding the world. As a mom to two very curious daughters who are constantly asking ‘why’, I’m especially driven to explore scientific concepts so I can answer their questions and cultivate their curiosity. I love sharing that same sense of wonder with my students in the classroom.
I strive to create an environment where they’re encouraged to ask questions, experiment, and discover the ‘why’ behind things. By fostering that curiosity, I hope to not only teach them science but also inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Q: Can you share some highlights from your students’ journey to ISEF?
A: The journey to ISEF was filled with so many highlights! One of the biggest was seeing the sheer passion my students brought to their projects. Some of these projects start well before the school year, and I’m constantly amazed by their knowledge of the latest technology and what inspires them to make a real difference.
This year, we doubled the size of our science fair program, which was a challenge, but it led to another highlight: the incredible teamwork with my colleagues! We spent an afternoon reviewing projects, sharing ideas, and just enjoying each other’s company over pizza. It was a perfect example of how supportive our team is and why I continue to work for BASIS. I could not have made it through this Science Fair season with my science team!
Q: In light of Women’s History Month, are there women in STEM who inspire you?
A: I’m fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring women every day, right here on our campus. From our administrators to our amazing teachers, I witness firsthand how they balance demanding careers with their personal lives, and they do it all with such strength and grace. I’m truly lucky to work with such a group of strong, independent women. They’re not just teachers; they’re leaders. They run our HOSA chapter, coach our Science Bowl teams, spearhead environmental initiatives, organize marathons, design robots, and run our math competitions. It’s truly remarkable!
These women, and countless others, have paved the way for future generations of women in STEM, and I’m committed to continuing that legacy by inspiring my students and daughters.
We thank Sarah Chavez for her invaluable contributions to BASIS Texas and for being a beacon of inspiration and leadership. Her commitment not only elevates our academic programs but also exemplifies the strength and dedication of women in STEM.
Interested in experiencing the amazing impact of our educators firsthand? Join us for a school tour!
