Education Alumni Spotlight: Katie Sparkes ’09

Katie Sparkes ’09 has built a career at the intersection of education, writing, and nonprofit leadership. After graduating from Middlebury with a degree in History, Education Studies, and Spanish, Katie started on her career journey as a Teach For America corps member, teaching middle school writing in New York City. Since then, she has taken on roles as an educator, instructional coach, and department chair, all while pursuing her interest in empowering students and advancing educational equity.

Currently, Katie works as a fundraising and development consultant with Radical Partners, where she identifies funding opportunities to support leadership development and community engagement initiatives. In addition, she contributes as a freelance writer and editor for organizations like CommonLit, IXL Learning, and NeighborSchools, helping to create impactful educational content.

Katie’s work reflects her dedication to education, social impact, and personal growth. Whether coaching lacrosse teams, leading wellness programs, or refining grant applications, Katie demonstrates a strong commitment to making a difference.

Fun Fact: While at Middlebury, Katie studied abroad in Ecuador and played on the Women’s Varsity Lacrosse team.

Connect with Katie on Midd2Midd. She is available to help students explore their potential career path and talk about working in primary/secondary education!

By Nicole Veilleux
Nicole Veilleux ELC Strategic Communications & Outreach Director