The Teacher

Teaching is in her blood

Sharon Ewell Foster’s paternal grandmother was a principal and teach by day, who risked her own safety to teach illiterate adults to read in the segregated South.  A cross burned in front of a little schoolhouse on the Ewell land only fueled her passion. Sharon’s aunts followed in their mother’s footsteps.  Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, recognized as America’s Best High School by Newsweek and Dallas Independent School District’s Flagship School, is named for her Aunt Yvonne.

Not only a grandmother and aunts, but Sharon’s mother was also a teacher. And in her classes as Chief of Faculty Development at the Defense Information School, Sharon left her classes in stitches and tears as she regaled them with stories of her mother’s compassion in the classroom and lessons she learned from her.

Whether she is acting as a course-leader, teaching writing workshops, training instructors, giving lectures, or working hands-on with public school children–Sharon infuses her love of learning and her legacy of teaching.  She adds her own passion, creativity and humor to deliver an effective and unique learning experience.

“As Chief of Faculty Development at the Defense Information School, Sharon spearheaded efforts of faculty/instructors to use their creativity in learning and teaching. Her outside-the-box thinking motivated instructors to motivate their students in non-conventional and inspiring ways. She ignited the instructors/students enthusiasm and motivation for learning and teaching. Whether using Gumby or a recipe for cooking, Sharon’s sincere passion for educating people made a tremendous impact to the staff, faculty and students at the Defense Information School. She inspired instructors and students to learn, grow and dare to use the creativity within them to inspire and motivate others to educate themselves.”
Glenda Brown, Defense Information School

“Sharon was a shining light in what could have been a very drab pile of information. She inspired us, stretched us, and helped us prepare to be instructors with courage, creativity, and compassion.”
Kenneth Davis, Broadcast Preparatory Course Manager/Coach, Defense Information School

“Sharon’s discernment helps her relate well to people of all ages.  Whether as a chapel speaker for children’s youth camps, or the challenge speaker for women’s retreat groups, her insight and creativeness reaches to the heart issues of her audience. No one ever leaves the way they came.”
Mary Williams, Program Director, Bible Witness Camp

“I have found Ms. Ewell Foster to be an individual who is genuinely committed to cultivating the next generation of writers. She evidenced this dedication through her essay/scholarship competitions. As a recipient of one of her scholarships, I was blessed to not only continue my education, but to also come in contact with a woman who offered support and encouragement during a stressful, difficult time in my life. I count it a blessing to have her as a mentor!”
Kelly Baptist, Mentee