Sara Bolster

Dr. Sara Bolster has been an educator in Milwaukee Public Schools for 12 years, teaching bilingual students in 1st through 4th grade. Currently a 4th grade bilingual teacher, Dr. Bolster is deeply committed to supporting the unique strengths of her students. Over the past four years, she has participated in the SURGE grant with MPS, an experience that provided an eye-opening perspective on Gifted and Talented (GT) education through an equity lens.

In her classroom, Dr. Bolster utilizes the TOPS tool to identify bilingual students with gifted potential. Through this work, she has encountered common questions and misconceptions—such as how Spanish-speaking students can receive a "minimal" in English Language Arts/Reading on a report cards while also being flagged as GT. These observations have fueled her passion for exploring how bilingual students are identified, labeled, and supported in GT programs.

Dr. Bolster's doctoral dissertation focused on bilingual students and translanguaging, positioning this practice as an authentic demonstration of giftedness in bilingual learners. She continues to engage in professional development, workshops, and conferences related to GT education, with a focus on ensuring her bilingual students are recognized and nurtured for their full potential.