“I was a student almost as much as a teacher during all of these years,” Upper School (US) English Teacher Sharon Krauss said.
After 26 years at the US, English Teacher and former English Department Head Sharon Krauss will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Since arriving at the US in 2000, Ms. Krauss has also worked as The Vanguard faculty advisor, Model UN faculty advisor and writer for the school’s communications office.
Ms. Krauss said one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching has been watching students grow into strong thinkers and readers.
“I feel that the crucial heart of my job is helping students to learn how to think on their own, so they can take that skill and apply it in all facets of their lives,” she said. “Watching all of those light bulbs go off over students’ heads has been a great privilege and a rewarding joy.”
Even after teaching “The Great Gatsby” 33 times over the course of her career, she said she still found new meaning in it each year.
“The novel speaks to students in different ways and to me in different ways,” she said. “Looking at it through a variety of lenses has kept it fresh and interesting.”
Salar Sekhavat ’26, who had Ms. Krauss as an English teacher and Model UN advisor, said her enthusiasm affects the classroom’s atmosphere.
“She’s always just so happy and excited to be there, and that is what creates that positive discussion environment,” he said. “Her energy really made things come alive for us, and we were able to take the work in stride, instead of letting it weigh us down.”
Yuiko Hotta ’27, who takes Ms. Krauss’ Junior English elective, “Aliens,” said she encourages students to think deeply about literature while also making them feel comfortable participating.
“She listens to everyone, and she makes sure everyone’s included in the conversation,” Yuiko said. “She’s very calm in class, and it feels like she always knows what she’s doing. She makes sure students don’t feel too nervous or stressed.”
US English Teacher Jean Klingler said Ms. Krauss helped guide the department through years of curriculum change while preserving its core values.
“She gave the department permission to grow and change in a way that reflected the students who were in front of us,” she said.
Ms. Klingler said Ms. Krauss was open to change in the classroom and the department while also respecting successful traditions.
“She’s kind of the department’s institutional memory. She’s been here long enough that she remembers how things are done, the pitfalls of that, the strengths of that,” she said.
Beyond curriculum changes, US English Teacher Wes Williams said Ms. Krauss shaped the department’s broader approach to teaching.
“She fostered really good discussions with the department, helped steer us towards making our curriculum maintain the rigor that BB&N has always had while acknowledging students’ work-life balance,” he said.
He added that she significantly influenced his own teaching style when he arrived at the school.
“Whatever elements of my curriculum that are thoughtful and student-centered, a lot of that is coming from what Sharon was all about,” Mr. Williams said. “I would not be the teacher I am today without her influence and support.”
