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News & Photos
Sue Newton Receives Oliver Chair
Middle School math teacher Sue Newton received one of the school's highest honors, the Raymond B. Oliver ’40 Endowed Teaching Chair, at the opening faculty meeting on August 24. Headmaster Charlie Britton surprised her with the award, named in honor of devoted teacher-coach Ray Oliver '40. In his remarks, below, Britton praised her for the relationships she establishes with her students, many of whom seek her counsel long after their days in her seventh grade math class.
Out of sight in Tagart Chapel, Newton's husband and son stepped forward to embrace her as she walked up to accept the engraved silver bowl. She will receive an additional stipend for the three years she holds the chair.
Funded by donors, endowed teaching chairs acknowledge the efforts of outstanding faculty members. Previous recipients of the Oliver Chair include Vicki McMillan, Cheryl Seal, Mike Robertson, and Eileen Heady.
Britton's remarks about Sue Newton follow.
Where would you find this teacher on a typical school day? From early in the morning to the very minute this teacher leaves campus, with students. Boys, girls, athletes, grade grubbers, too-cool-for-schoolers, puzzlers, smart ones, or those who simply need a smiling face, this teacher can and does connect to all types of students. If you listen to students in casual conversation, you’ll hear them talk about how much this teacher means to them. They see her as a role model, as an advocate, and as a true friend. Their words reflect the depth of the trust she develops with students; she simply and powerfully makes a positive difference in children’s lives.
While an outstanding teacher of her subject area, her work as an advisor is incredible. As decisions are made about advisor groups, this teacher’s name often comes up as one of the advisors who can really reach a child. Patience and persistence allow this teacher to connect with the even most guarded middle schooler. And, once established, the relationship between this teacher and her advisee remains. As students grow older, they often forget those who were influential in their lives. Not in this case. Older students compete with current students for her attention and counsel. This is a true testament to the relationships she cements through mutual trust.
When one comes to a school and is asked to teach four subjects to round out the teaching load, a great deal of flexibility and ability is necessary. That is exactly how this teacher started. She began her McDonogh career teaching science, math, English, and reading. Her “can do” spirit and flexibility continued as she settled in to teach only math. Ask her to work with several different sections or to try a new method of instruction and her answer is, “OK, I’ll try it.“
She gives up lunch and vacation time to run the Middle School Math Counts program. Her classroom is often full of students who enjoy the camaraderie, the challenge, and perhaps the pizzas, too. But, it is her special touch while “coaching” the MathCounts team that keeps the kids coming back. Her teams have met success over the years too, even reaching the regional competition.
She is touched by those who struggle to master math. Her free time before school, during school, after school, and even during vacations is often taken by a student or students who need her gentle approach to gain confidence to succeed. This quiet support has also made all the difference in many students’ lives and contributes to how they ultimately feel about math and school in general.
In the midst of all her dedication to school, she found time to raise three wonderful boys: Tim, Matt and Dave. She takes great pride in their successes in school, in the pool and in life. Colleagues enjoy watching her light up when talking about them.
We are very proud to announce that Sue Newton is the new recipient of the Raymond B. Oliver Endowed Teaching Chair. She is a true shining example of finding JOY in work and in play.
Middle School math teacher Sue Newton received one of the school's highest honors, the Raymond B. Oliver ’40 Endowed Teaching Chair, at the opening faculty meeting on August 24. Headmaster Charlie Britton surprised her with the award, named in honor of devoted teacher-coach Ray Oliver '40. In his remarks, below, Britton praised her for the relationships she establishes with her students, many of whom seek her counsel long after their days in her seventh grade math class.
Out of sight in Tagart Chapel, Newton's husband and son stepped forward to embrace her as she walked up to accept the engraved silver bowl. She will receive an additional stipend for the three years she holds the chair.
Funded by donors, endowed teaching chairs acknowledge the efforts of outstanding faculty members. Previous recipients of the Oliver Chair include Vicki McMillan, Cheryl Seal, Mike Robertson, and Eileen Heady.
Britton's remarks about Sue Newton follow.
Where would you find this teacher on a typical school day? From early in the morning to the very minute this teacher leaves campus, with students. Boys, girls, athletes, grade grubbers, too-cool-for-schoolers, puzzlers, smart ones, or those who simply need a smiling face, this teacher can and does connect to all types of students. If you listen to students in casual conversation, you’ll hear them talk about how much this teacher means to them. They see her as a role model, as an advocate, and as a true friend. Their words reflect the depth of the trust she develops with students; she simply and powerfully makes a positive difference in children’s lives.
While an outstanding teacher of her subject area, her work as an advisor is incredible. As decisions are made about advisor groups, this teacher’s name often comes up as one of the advisors who can really reach a child. Patience and persistence allow this teacher to connect with the even most guarded middle schooler. And, once established, the relationship between this teacher and her advisee remains. As students grow older, they often forget those who were influential in their lives. Not in this case. Older students compete with current students for her attention and counsel. This is a true testament to the relationships she cements through mutual trust.
When one comes to a school and is asked to teach four subjects to round out the teaching load, a great deal of flexibility and ability is necessary. That is exactly how this teacher started. She began her McDonogh career teaching science, math, English, and reading. Her “can do” spirit and flexibility continued as she settled in to teach only math. Ask her to work with several different sections or to try a new method of instruction and her answer is, “OK, I’ll try it.“
She gives up lunch and vacation time to run the Middle School Math Counts program. Her classroom is often full of students who enjoy the camaraderie, the challenge, and perhaps the pizzas, too. But, it is her special touch while “coaching” the MathCounts team that keeps the kids coming back. Her teams have met success over the years too, even reaching the regional competition.
She is touched by those who struggle to master math. Her free time before school, during school, after school, and even during vacations is often taken by a student or students who need her gentle approach to gain confidence to succeed. This quiet support has also made all the difference in many students’ lives and contributes to how they ultimately feel about math and school in general.
In the midst of all her dedication to school, she found time to raise three wonderful boys: Tim, Matt and Dave. She takes great pride in their successes in school, in the pool and in life. Colleagues enjoy watching her light up when talking about them.
We are very proud to announce that Sue Newton is the new recipient of the Raymond B. Oliver Endowed Teaching Chair. She is a true shining example of finding JOY in work and in play.