Thrive here,
then everywhere

Grade 8 and 9 Art students are expanding their artistic toolkit as they learn oil pastel techniques. Building on previous units in shading, contrast, perspective, and composition, they’re now seeing how these foundational skills translate to a vibrant, fully saturated medium.

Students begin by practicing blending and layering on small bookmark designs inspired by the Northern Lights. They will then apply these techniques to create A4 artworks that highlight oil pastels’ unique ability to produce rich, luminous color, and smooth gradients. This project strengthens their understanding of contrast and composition while allowing them to explore the expressive potential of working with intense, saturated color — a shift from their earlier graphite and colored pencil work.

Through this balance of technical skill-building and creative exploration, students gain a deeper understanding of how different mediums can shape the mood and impact of their art.

The recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching demonstrated a dedication to the craft of teaching that went far beyond her own classroom. She helped develop programs rooted in curricular innovation and student-centered learning and was endlessly kind and always approachable.

One nominator shared, “Her depth of knowledge, thoughtful planning, and engaging instructional style make her classes not only impactful for students, but genuinely inspiring for colleagues as well.” Another added, “Whenever I hear about what she is teaching, I find myself drawn in. It is clear she puts incredible care into designing meaningful learning experiences. She masterfully balances high expectations with a nurturing presence, guiding students with clarity, enthusiasm, and deep respect.”

Selected by a committee of her peers as a representation of the very best of teaching at Brewster, the 2025 Brewster Madrid Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching was awarded to Celeste Hinshaw, Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher & Lower School Team Leader (Grades 1–5).

The recipient of the Faculty Award for Career Growth made countless contributions to our community, ensuring every student in his care was supported and able to succeed. His creativity, relentless effort, and unbridled enthusiasm for teaching left an indelible mark on our school.

One nominator shared, “His ideas are not only highly creative, but also implemented with efficiency, clarity, and impact. His ability to deeply connect with his students and invest fully in his teaching practice makes him a truly remarkable educator.” Another added, “He adapts, pivots, and reworks his classroom to keep learners engaged and motivated. It has been a joy to work alongside him.”

Selected by a committee of his peers, the 2025 Brewster Madrid Faculty Award for Career Growth was awarded to Thomas Wiaduck, Middle & Upper School English.

Few programs capture the spirit of Brewster quite like the Brewster Summer Institute (BSI), where new faculty embark on a shared journey of learning and community from their very first days. BSI—Brewster’s intensive summer training for teachers across all campuses—has, since 1993, introduced new employees to the school’s values, structures, and dynamic community, equipping them for success and helping them build lasting connections. These connections and successes directly translate into their teaching and ability to help prepare students for the classroom and beyond.

This year, BSI brought together eight new faculty in Wolfeboro and 39 new employees across Brewster’s two Madrid campuses (both K-12 private American schools in Madrid). Led this year by Assistant Head of School James Reilly and Dean of Faculty Katie Gardner in Wolfeboro, and Director of Faculty Development Bret Barnett in Spain, sessions ranged from Global Education to radical candor and Brewster history, all designed to spark meaningful conversations and build a shared vision.

Reflecting on the experience, Director of Faculty Development Bret Barnett shared, “I love BSI. The energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism of all the new staff is contagious. Not only is it rewarding to set new folks up to begin their Brewster journey, but it is also amazing to hear from them as they share their wealth of expertise.”

This spirit of collective engagement and pride was echoed by new faculty member Joseph Scala-Harbert ’16 (also a Brewster alum), who remarked, “Over the last three weeks at BSI, I felt massive engagement, a huge sense of community, great structure in a really positive form, and a lot of pride in what people do here and what I hope to do here.”

Melanie Fedorowicz, a new art teacher in Wolfeboro, described her BSI experience as having, “a general feeling of support and guidance,” balanced with “high standards and rigor. And a reminder that people are joyful and teachers are joyful here.”

Highlights included a midsummer trivia competition connecting all three campuses, and a new tradition: faculty in Wolfeboro created a welcome video for their Madrid colleagues—an exchange so warmly received that Madrid is already planning one in return.

BSI continues to help build the culture and community that defines Brewster, allowing teachers to truly put students at the center of their learning.

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Learn More About Brewster

Experience Brewster Madrid, one of the leading K-12 private and international schools in Spain. Explore our website further to discover why Brewster is one of the best American schools in Madrid with our top-ranked academics (we are an IB School and Advanced Placement Madrid school) and inclusive admissions process. Learn why so many expat and local families choose Brewster for value, innovation, and excellence in education, at both our Chamberí and La Moraleja campuses in Madrid.