With nearly two decades in education, Sarah Hinkhouse is an experienced and passionate educator specializing in Career and Technical Education, with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Marketing. She has a passion for guiding students in career exploration and development, as well as industry credentialing and post-secondary education options. Sarah most recently led courses at Oakton High School, including dual-enrollment Entrepreneurship classes, where she actively engaged students in applied learning experiences and prioritized building relationships. 

In addition to classroom instruction, Sarah has held various leadership roles that enhance student and school success. As a CTSO advisor, Sarah has supported students in their endeavors as leaders and competitors, as well as assisted in the planning of countless events.  She has overseen Virginia’s largest DECA chapters, supporting award-winning community service projects, and facilitating multiple gold-certified school-based enterprises, giving students hands-on business experience. 

Sarah has been integral to curriculum development, contributing to Fairfax County’s resources for entrepreneurship, marketing, workplace readiness, as well as the internship programs. When designing curriculum, she focuses on material that challenges students to problem solve, critically think, and collaborate all while developing professionalism. Her work on state-level curriculum with the Virginia Department of Education has shaped the fields of Digital and Social Media Marketing and Advanced Cybersecurity in Marketing.  As a leader with the Virginia Association of Marketing Educators, Sarah held multiple board positions, including President, overseeing annual conferences, and managing key resources for educators statewide. Sarah was recognized for her contributions to and passion for education when she was named Virginia’s Marketing Educator of the Year in 2017 and was part of Oakton’s Curriculum Team of the Year in 2024.

Upon falling in love with teaching, Sarah completed her Masters in Career and Technical Education from Virginia Tech to complement her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. Sarah combines academic credentials with practical expertise as a career switcher to inspire students and colleagues alike. When she is not at school, Sarah enjoys being an aunt, traveling and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.