Vanguard Faculty member Sara Cristobal Presents Nationally on Advancing Instruction for Neurodivergent Learners

The Vanguard School is proud to announce that faculty member Sara Cristobal, Reading Specialist, was selected to present at the Learning Disabilities Association of America conference, a nationally recognized forum for research and practice in supporting individuals with learning differences.

Cristobal delivered three presentations focused on advancing instructional strategies for neurodivergent learners, drawing from both research and classroom-based practice.

Her sessions included:

• “Scaffolding vs. Shielding: How We Undermine Confidence Without Realizing It”
  Exploring how educators can balance support with rigor to build student confidence through meaningful challenge.
• “Inquiry-Driven ELA: Teaching Students How to Think, Not What to Think”
  Highlighting instructional strategies that prioritize critical thinking, student voice, and real-world application in literacy education.
• “The Art of Storytelling in the Classroom: How Story Became My Curriculum”
  Demonstrating how storytelling can serve as a powerful framework for engagement, identity development, and literacy growth.

Cristobal’s work emphasizes a central principle: that challenge—when paired with intentional support—is not a barrier, but a pathway to growth for students with learning differences.

“Sara’s presentations reflect the kind of thoughtful, student-centered work happening every day at Vanguard,” said Dan Zwerski, Director of Development at The Vanguard School. “Her ability to translate both research and lived classroom experience into practical strategies is a testament to the impact our educators are making—not just within our school, but nationally.”

Cristobal holds bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Linguistics from the University of Hawai‘i and a master’s degree in Global Education from Arizona State University. She has previously presented at international conferences, contributed to academic research, and continues to focus her work on supporting neurodivergent learners in inclusive, high-expectation environments.

Her participation in the conference highlights The Vanguard School’s continued commitment to advancing best practices in education and contributing to broader conversations around neurodiversity, inclusion, and student success.

About The Vanguard School
The Vanguard School is a nonprofit boarding and day school serving students who learn differently, specializing in individualized education that builds confidence, independence, and lifelong success.