Learning Specialist
Mrs. Newman is passionate about advocating for students who learn differently. Along with working directly with students and families, she coaches and collaborates with classroom teachers to elevate their understanding of learning differences.
Impacting Students
Our monthly buddy meetings with students in the support program are probably the most impactful for our third and fourth graders and their eighth grade mentors. Having the opportunity to connect with other diverse learners and to know that you are not alone has been life changing for some of our struggling students.
Lifelong Learner
I returned from the Reading in the Rockies Conference with an entirely new outlook on how to best support our struggling writers, and it has transformed the way I teach writing.
Proudest Moment
Watching my first class graduate from Graland when I was a lead teacher. Many of them had learning differences, and I saw them persevere and find success. Knowing that I had made a difference in their lives was beyond special.
Book I Could Read Over and Over
"The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsberg. One of my college professors read it to us and at the end she gave us all bells. In the story, the boy believed in the spirit and magic of Christmas because of the bell’s beautiful sound. She used it as a metaphor and challenged us to always believe in ourselves as educators and know that we have the ability to keep the magic of learning alive. I keep the bell on my desk as a daily reminder of why I joined this profession and to reassure myself that I’m making a difference.
Outside the Classroom I’m...
When I am not at school you can most likely find me with my family! My two children bring so much joy to my life. We enjoy skiing, camping, and working together on projects around the house. Extended family is also very important to us. We spend a considerable amount of time with both sets of grandparents.
Joined Graland In...
2008
Also Known As…
SST Department Chair, SCAC Member, Schedule Redesign Committee Member, Literacy PLC and Curriculum Review Member, Diversity Task Force Member, and Testing Coordinator
Education
Master’s from Regis University
Bachelor's from University of Colorado
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
