BY LARRY DUPEE
Special to the Times
Through an introspective process of nomination and evaluation LBMS staff has chosen the Teacher Of the Year (T.O.Y) from the among faculty. When Emily Newson was told that she was named Teacher of the Year she said that she “felt humbled to be chosen among so many deserving colleagues.” She also stated that she “appreciates the recognition that her peers have shown for her work in the classroom.”
Newsom grew up in Live Oak, Fl. She attended St Leo University where she earned her B.A. While attending college she met and married Shawn, a Union County native. The Newsom’s spent the following eighteen years in Charlotte N.C. where Shawn’s job placed him. Emily taught at inner city schools in Charlotte for six years. She said that during this time her perception of the role educators play changed.
She said that growing up with many teachers she felt a sense of indifference to students need for emotional support. When she decided to become a teacher, she said “ It felt like it’s my calling.”
Newsom said that with many students, support beyond the educational level is important. Showing an interest in student development inspires confidence as individuals acquire skills that will define who they will become. Any teacher who ‘feels the calling’ must love the job, which means loving working with the children as they grow and become unique individuals.
With today’s busy schedule many students are practically raising themselves and they need the love that true teachers are willing to share. The rule of love is that it exists in many forms, the more you give away the more you will get back.
Newsom has been teaching for twenty years and has for the past five years been inspiring 5th grade Science and Math students at Lake Butler Middle School.
While teaching, Newsom is attending grad school to earn her Master’s in Education (MEd) in curriculum and instruction. This degree will qualify her to move into administrative duties, however she said that she “can’t see myself leaving the kids.”
As well as teaching at LBMS she is also treasurer for the Union County Quarterback Club, chairperson of the school advisory council, a fifth grade team leader and one of the parent coordinators for Project Grad. While handling these tasks, Newsom also mentors a student teacher and new teachers to LBMS.
In her leisure time she said she enjoys reading historical fiction… a lot!
She also likes spending time on the water with Shawn and their son, 17 and daughter, 15. Anywhere on the water is good at the lake, on the river and out in the ocean. That is when they are not at the cabin in the mountains of North Carolina… or of course at school!
“Newsom said, “I appreciate having the opportunity to work with the quality of educators that we have at LBMS. They are the best.”
