Rate My Professor Sara Dexter

Sara Dexter is a Professor of Education in the Department of Leadership, Foundations, and Policy at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development. Her expertise lies in the leadership of educational technology and adult learning and development. Drawing from her experience as a school district administrator, she contributes a practical perspective to the administration and supervision program, emphasizing systemic implementation and integration of technology at district, school, and classroom levels. Trained in the Kegan lineage of constructive-developmental theory, practice, and coaching, she has shaped extensive curriculum development within the program. Dexter has secured over $6 million in funding for projects researching case-based learning environments as digital practicum experiences for aspiring teachers and administrators, team-based instructional leadership for science and math teachers' technology integration, and K-12 school leadership practices supporting teachers' learning and technology use.

Her academic credentials include an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in 1997, an M.Ed. in Science Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 1990, and a B.S. with honors in Biology and Earth Science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1986. Dexter's career at the University of Virginia began in 2004 as an Assistant Professor, with promotion to Associate Professor in 2010 and to Professor effective August 25, 2025. She holds roles as Program Coordinator for Administration and Supervision and Associate Director of the University Council for Educational Administration. Key publications include 'School Technology Leadership: An Empirical Investigation of Prevalence and Effect' (2005, with R.E. Anderson), cited 1,299 times; 'Teachers’ Views of Computers as Catalysts for Changes in Their Teaching Practice' (1999, with S.L. Dexter, R.E. Anderson, H.J. Becker), cited 774 times; 'What Added Value Does a 1:1 Student to Laptop Ratio Bring to Technology-Supported Teaching and Learning?' (2007, with M. Dunleavy, W.F. Heinecke), cited 525 times; and 'How Teachers Learn: The Roles of Formal, Informal, and Independent Learning' (2014, with W.M. Jones), cited 430 times. She received the 2023 UCEA Edwin M. Bridges Award for contributions to educational leadership preparation through research, teaching, and service, and the 2009 UCEA Jack A. Culbertson Award for outstanding contributions as a junior professor.