Sara Newell began her career teaching fifth grade in a Title I school. She then moved on to teach both fourth and fifth grades as well as combination classes and gifted clusters. In 2005 ,after earning her Master's in gifted education, Newell began teaching at the Charles Townes Center at Sterling School. This center is designed for highly gifted students and provides rigorous instruction and specialized enrichment. Newell used this experience when she began teaching both the Nature and Needs, and Curriculum and Instruction for gifted student courses at Furman. These courses are designed to help teachers meet the specific needs of their gifted students.​

Honors

• Charles Townes Center Teacher of the Year, 2012-13
• Greenville County Top 10 Teacher of the Year, 2012-13
• Presenter at NCTE National Converence, 2012-14
• Presenter at NAGC National Conference, 2010-11
• Golden Apple Award, 2009-10
• National Board Certification, 2005
• Chandler Creek Teacher of the Year, 2004-05

Education

• National Board Certification
• M.A., Converse College
• B.A., University of South Carolina-Spartanburg
• South Carolina Professional Teaching Certificate – Elementary Education