Check Out Sandra Ross’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Ross

Hi Sandra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an educator and aspiring author. I am currently in the process of getting my first children’s book You Can Do All Things published. You Can Do All Things is the real-life, story of me as a young girl, Sandra. Sandra loves going to church to worship and learn more about Jesus, but when she looks at words on a page it looks like a jigsaw puzzle. It takes faith, perseverance, and the encouragement of her mom for Sandra to believe in herself and later begin to thrive in her reading. As a child, I struggled to learn how to read. My challenges with learning how to read followed me through elementary school. My teachers made it clear to me that I struggled to read and rarely pointed out my strengths; one of which is writing. As an educator, I prioritize building on each student’s strengths and interests.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have always enjoyed helping younger children. As a child, I enjoyed pretending to be my younger brother’s teacher but I never thought that I would study to become a teacher. I began college pursuing a BioMedical Sciences Degree but I quickly realized that this was not the path God had called me to. The idea of pursuing a teaching degree popped into my mind in an Education History elective during my freshmen year of college. As a teacher, you play so many roles in your students’ lives but many of the roles have come naturally to me. My journey to becoming an author has been exciting but has also had unexpected challenges. I began writing the first manuscript of my children’s book You Can Do All Things during the summer of 2023. After several revisions and reading my book to my family, I submitted my manuscript to a hybrid publishing company. In January 2024, I heard back from the publishing company that they wanted to move forward with publishing my book! I was overjoyed and began praying for guidance on whether or not I should move forward with this company.  As a self-publishing author, there are many different options, so I wanted to make sure I went with the right company. I decided that I wanted to move forward with this company but at this time  I had zero illustrations for my book. I connected with my illustrator to get the process of illustrations started, but I underestimated the time, detail, and revisions that went into picture book illustrations.  I am still working with my illustration team to finalize all of my book’s illustrations, but I am excited to move forward in the publishing process once the illustrations are completed!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My goal is to glorify God while helping to build children’s confidence and grow their love of literacy. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Inclusive Elementary Education from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and I am also currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Literacy Education at the University of Colorado Denver. I am currently a 4th grade teacher in Denver, and a aspiring Children’s Book Author.
This summer I am hosting my first creative writing workshop for students in 3rd-5th grade. During the workshop, students will learn the entire narrative writing process while having the opportunity to publish a class book through Studenttreasures Publishing. I also create and share reading and writing tools for parents and teachers on my social media platforms. I hope to publish more children’s books in the years to come to continue to encourage students that they too can do all things.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see education changing in the next 5-10 years. Many shifts have already started such as school districts in Colorado moving to 4-day weeks and many teachers becoming “teacherpreneurs” to showcase their teaching talents and make teaching more financially sustainable in our growing economy. I am finding ways to utilize my writing talents as well. This summer I am hosting my first creative writing workshop for students in 3rd-5th grade. I am also creating and sharing literacy tools for parents and teachers on my social media platforms. I also hope to publish more children’s books in the years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamsandraamaross.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsandraamaross?igsh=YXlzcjA0eHoxeHNt&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558477303911&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Photographs by JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch