Learn more about Sarah Falcon, PhD, Senior Lecturer, School Psychology, through our Faculty Spotlight series.

"The School Psychology Portland cohort is our first cohort in the Portland area, and these 'firsts' will always be special to me." – Sarah Falcon, PhD

Meet Senior Lecturer Sarah Falcon, PhD, faculty member serving our school psychology program on the NE PDX Campus. Sarah was a school psychology student at the College of Education herself, and has enjoyed being back in her new role where she can mentor students and research prevention methods to continue to improve classroom environments and school systems. She loves to explore areas near Portland, including hiking in the gorge and finding waterfalls.

Hometown: Kirkland, WA

Describe your field of study or research focus:  

I am interested in improving classroom environments and school systems by making them more welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive for all students and their families. Transition periods (e.g., early childhood to elementary school or middle to high school), family support, reducing discipline disparities, and addressing barriers that can lead to chronic absence are of particular interest to me.

Favorite Book or Movie: 

I don’t have a favorite book or movie…I like too many! I gravitate towards non-fiction dramas and comedies. A few years ago, I read Martin Luther King Jr’s “Where do We go from here: Chaos or Community.” I had never actually read a book of his, I am sorry to say that I had only read his quotes and sound bites. It certainly had an impact on me, and I was surprised by how relevant the content still is to our world today.

What brought you to the College of Education?

I was a student here many years ago! I was in the school psychology doctoral program and received a master’s degree in the program. I completed my PhD at the University of Connecticut in Special Education with former College of Education professor George Sugai. What brought me back to the College of Education is its emphasis on prevention, what we can do to improve the lives of all members of a system and reduce the need for later intervention. 

What excites you most in your role at the COE?

I am new this year, so I am still learning a tremendous amount about what this role entails. I enjoy mentoring and working with students, making connections with the broader Portland community to support our program, and staying involved with important research on equity and improving outcomes for young people and their families.

What is special about the SPSY Portland cohort?

The SPSY Portland cohort is our first cohort in the Portland area, and these “firsts” will always be special. Their experience will never quite be the same as subsequent cohorts. They have navigated new campuses, new practicum placements, and new ways of working as a program expands to a new city. In the process, I think they have gained valuable skills and learned plenty of lessons along the way. They are passionate, hard-working, and keep Portland unique! I am proud of these Portland first year and second year students and I expect them to be leaders in school psychology or whatever education related field they select.

What is your favorite thing to do for fun in Portland?

One of my favorite things to do in Portland is outside of Portland, but nearby. I love to take a day or 2 and do a hike in the gorge, visiting one of the many amazing waterfalls. Then head to Hood River and pick whatever seasonal fruit is ready along the Fruit Loop, followed by a meal somewhere in Hood River by the water to watch the kiteboarders/sailboarders.