Ms. newell
Welcome!
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.
~ Louis Holtz
Meet your teacher
Latin | Journalism
Ascent Classical Academy Douglas County
ABOUT ME
Originally from Danville, Virginia, I have been in Colorado for three years. I began teaching at CU Boulder, while working on my MA Classics (Latin) degree. Before that, I received a BA in Classics from William and Mary. Outside school, I enjoy reading, dancing, skiing and playing with my adorable cat, (Lord Admiral) Beckett.
EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY
I have always known that I wanted to teach and I hope to share that passion and enthusiasm for all my subjects with students. In studying education and through my experience as a college instructor and tutor for all ages, I have found that participation based instruction such as the Socratic method is most beneficial in my classroom. I look to encourage students to make mistakes and learn from them in a positive, inclusive learning environment. I am committed to increasing wonder in all my subjects and often utilize projects and fun class activities to motivate my students to find their passions within all subject areas. I intend to meet students where they are and empower them confidently use their talents in both familiar and unfamiliar areas of study.
WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO
I am so excited to be returning to our school and my students! I look forward to getting to know new students and introducing all my students to the wonders of the ancient world through the Latin language, and to producing publications that everyone can be invested in and proud to support!
GET TO KNOW ME
what is your favorite book?
This is very difficult! I have always been a fan of fiction from an early age, reading Harry Potter for the first time in elementary school. When I discovered Latin, another world of ancient literature became available too!
My current favorite modern book is the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan. As an excellent piece of children's literature, the adventures of the main character Will are near and dear to me as he explores the world and takes on new responsibilities.
My current favorite ancient book is Lucan's Bellum Civile (Civil War). Following the civil war between Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar, this epic features incredible poetry and fascinating female characters with bold personalities, like the witch Erictho.
WHo is your favorite historical person?
My favorite historical person is Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of Ancient Egypt. I have spent much of my academic life studying ancient Egypt, including learning to read and interpret Middle Egyptian hieroglyphs. Cleopatra stands out for her ability to embody Egyptian culture, while also expertly navigating the political mine field of Ancient Rome under Julius Caesar and Augustus. She is an extremely accomplished and educated woman, the first and only Ptolemaic pharaoh to learn 7 of the native languages of Alexandria during her time. Her legacy is complicated due to her relationship with Marc Antony and the power of the Roman empire to rewrite her story in such a negative light. As a queen, Cleopatra was a champion for her people!
What was your favorite job before ascent?
I spent two summers working for a non profit children's organization in Mokopane, South Africa. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, helping the local organization establish youth programs in schools in extremely remote areas. The non profit is locally funded and operated by dedicated South African community leaders. It also provided wells and built women's centers in these areas, although I primarily worked with the children's outreach program.
What is your favorite sport?
My all time favorite sport is football! My dad was my high school football coach before he moved up to coaching at the college level and then retired. From a very young age, I was out on the practice field watching him work and hanging with the cheerleaders.
That said, I also participated in and loved cheer, soccer, dance and swim team!