Q&A with INGAS’s Special Programs Teacher

A supportive and accepting atmosphere can make all the difference in encouraging academic and personal growth for students as they build confidence and find their path. 

Meet Sarah Cash, a special programs and special education teacher at Indiana Gateway Alternative School (INGAS), who helps students recognize their own potential. Sarah shared insights on what she has learned from her experience helping high schoolers on their paths to graduation. 

How do you personalize learning and support for students online? 

Establishing relationships with students and understanding them as people is essential. You can’t ask a student how algebra is going without understanding the context of the issues they may be facing outside of class. In some cases, I might have to put on the hat of a social worker to offer extra support to help a student through a difficult time. 

Last year, I was working with a student who was experiencing homelessness. He was only three credits away from graduating, but due to his circumstances, finishing the semester seemed impossible. The only way I knew I could help him through this was to drive three hours across the state and spend time working with him at his local library. Thanks to his resiliency, he made it to graduation. He recently reconnected with me to share his plans to pursue a degree in diesel mechanics at Ivy Tech. 

Why is it important for students to have access to education paths beyond brick-and-mortar schools as they work toward graduation? 

A diploma is often the first major, tangible achievement you earn in life, and it represents all of the work you put into preparing for your future. It can take you anywhere — whether that be college, technical school, or a job. For students who feel stuck in a traditional school setting, our team at INGAS is often able to offer the resources and flexibility they need. 

Not every student will thrive in a virtual format, but I’ve seen this model change the lives of many students who were not on track to graduate while attending a brick-and-mortar school. I worked with a student who was originally not on track to receive a diploma and ended up graduating as valedictorian in 2022. Last year, we graduated 96% of seniors, which is typically unheard of in special education programs. I see that as proof that we often underestimate what students are capable of achieving when they have the right support. 

I often meet students who have been told they’re never going to be anything. I want to help foster an environment and support system that turns that around. I want to be an advocate for the kids who haven’t had that support in other settings and deserve someone who believes in them. 

What has your experience been like at INGAS as a teacher? 

I’ve spent more than 20 years teaching, but I’ve never felt as supported as I do at INGAS. Being on this team has allowed me to feel as if I can give more both at home and at school. The flexibility in my schedule has been the biggest blessing, allowing me to travel with my daughter for her neurology appointments. 

The INGAS team is like a family. We all support one another through anything we are facing in and out of the classroom. Our school leaders recognize the unique strengths of each member of our team, and we leverage all of those strengths to create the best experience possible for students. 

I am also the mom of a middle school student at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA), so I understand the parent side as well. When I adopted my son out of my kindergarten class years ago, I wanted to ensure he would have access to the highest quality education that could adapt to his needs. I am confident his teachers at INGDA do everything in their power to empower him at every step, and I strive to ensure my students’ families have that same confidence in me. 

State-licensed teachers like Sarah at INGAS foster an inclusive environment where students facing various challenges can come together to meet their graduation goals and prepare for successful futures. If you are interested in a supportive and flexible learning model for your student as they pursue their diploma, discover more about our school here. 

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