Social Sciences

Lucas Newman

Lucas Newman

Social science

Lucas Newman was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He attended South High School and then the University of Colorado at Boulder. Lucas has been teaching social studies at William Smith HS for 15 years! He loves to bring compelling historical stories to his students. With these stories and the life experiences of his students a new perspective can be gained of the world and why the world is the way it is. Lucas also loves teaching anthropology and anything else that helps his students see the world in bigger, more interesting ways. When not teaching Lucas is spending time with his family on their little farm in Loveland. They grow and cook a lot of delicious food! Once all the weeding and seeding is done Lucas loves to explore the wilderness through backpacking, snowshoeing, and canyoneering.

Email: [email protected]

Social Science

Ryan grew up in Connecticut, then lived and worked outside the US for several years before making his way to Colorado. He's fortunate to be able to work with William Smith students on the same projects he pursues outside the classroom; outdoor adventure, local civic engagement and language learning. Ryan is a former backpacking guide and avid rock climber, and now some of his former students are too! He continues to work with Aurora City Council and the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education on policies around housing affordability and racial equity in access. In a past life Ryan lived and worked in Cercedilla, Spain, and Chengdu, Sichuan Province in China. He speaks English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and French.

Email: [email protected]

Ryan Clapp

Ryan Clapp

Ashley Ely

Ashley Ely

Social Science

Ashley is proud to say that she was born and raised in Colorado. She graduated from Colorado Christian University with a degree in History and Education. While in school, Ashley had the opportunity to serve as a Senator for the student government for a non-profit inner-city tutoring organization. Before she started teaching, Ashley worked at Apple, helping with store operations and employee training. She knew something bigger was calling her back to the world of education. Ten years later, she knew this was the right move. Ashley believes in WSHS and absolutely loves her crew! Ashley lives in Aurora with her husband and two kids attending APS schools. She enjoys biking around town, paddle boarding, hiking, and hanging out on her porch with a good book.

Email: [email protected]