Barb Thomas
Master's in Education, Lesley College
B.S. in Marketing, Bentley College

Team leader (on a junior team), instructional support teacher, and writing center teacher, Barb Thomas came to Brewster Academy in 1998 looking for a challenge and the opportunity for growth. She hasn't been denied either.

She began in 1998 as an instructional support teacher, girls' varsity basketball coach, and girls' varsity lacrosse assistant coach. Previously she taught at Winnisquam Regional High School in Tilton, New Hampshire.

"I wanted to change from the public school environment into a private school with a college-like atmosphere," she said. "It was time for a challenge and the chance to experience growth and develop more as an educator."

Much about Brewster impressed her. She liked the value that is placed on education; the emphasis on developing the whole person, not just one aspect of an individual; the training provided to help new teachers succeed; the use of technology and the resources available. All these made Brewster unique and attractive to her as an educator.

When the team leader position opened up, Thomas pursued it.

"I accepted the challenge of becoming a team leader because it was a challenge," she said. "I believe that I have a good understanding of how teams function and the necessary skills that are involved in having a successful team, and (it was an opportunity to) offer more of my abilities and skills to the Brewster community."

Thomas' teaching philosophy evolved on the playing fields as much as it has in the classroom. After graduating in 1987 from Bentley College with a business degree, she signed on to coach girls' basketball at Reading (Massachusetts) Memorial High and Wakefield (Massachusetts) Memorial High. She made the transition into the classroom after earning her master's in education in 1991 from Lesley College. She moved to New Hampshire to accept a position at Winnisquam Regional High School, where she was a special education teacher and varsity girls' basketball coach for six years.

"I want to really get to know (the students) and have them understand that their voice is important, they are being heard and (assure them that) their needs are being met," she said. "I want them to feel that they can access me at any time."

In 2004, Ms. Thomas received Brewster's Excellence in Teaching Award.

Ms. Thomas is the community life parent in Piper House.