Congratulations to Sharon Newman, Expeditionary Learning's Brooks Thomas Exemplary Service Award Recipient

"No one embodies the spirit of Crew more than Sharon. When we’re in the rapids, Sharon’s paddle is always in the water—and she’s smiling, digging deep, joyfully caught up in the ride, confirming directions loud enough for the rest of us to hear."

The Expeditionary Learning family would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Sharon Newman, EL's Director of Field Staff Development and recent recipient of the Brooks Thomas Exemplary Service Award.

The Brooks Thomas Exemplary Service Award honors EL employees who exemplify the qualities and character of our founding trustees and illustrate our commitment to serve as Crew, not passengers. Honorees demonstrate excellence, collaboration, and perseverance and their contributions to enhance our mission exceed expectations.

Sharon Newman has been a member of the EL family for over a decade, first as a primary teacher at the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning, then a School Designer, and currently as the Director of Field Staff Development. Prior to her work with EL, Sharon was an educational software producer and a volunteer for the Ministry of Education in Namibia. Sharon was also in the inaugural Mississippi corps for Teach for America and holds a B.A. in English from the University of California at Berkeley and a Masters in Teaching and Learning from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

On Tuesday, June 16th, we gather to honor Sharon as she joins the ranks of past recipients Deb Otto, Steven Levy, Cyndi Gueswel and Libby Woodfin. Check in with us on Facebook and Twitter for coverage from the reception.