social sciences

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: LPNEWMAN@aurorak12.org

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: RDCLAPP@aurorak12.org
Ryan Clapp
Ashley Ely

social science

Ashley is a proud Colorado native. 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 student government for a non-profit inner city tutoring organization. Before Ashley started teaching, she worked for Apple helping with store operations and employee trainings. She knew something bigger was calling her back to education. Ashley has been teaching at William Smith High School for the last couple of years. She absolutely loves being a part of the Crew! Ashley currently lives in Aurora with her husband and two kids. She enjoys biking around town, paddle boarding, and most fitness activities. Currently, she is the Athletic Director and loves to attend school sporting events to see students compete.Email: AMELY@aurorak12.org