How she got into writing…
Sharon Draper is a professional educator and writer. At the age of twenty one, she was offered a job as a English teacher at the college she attended. She did not accept however, because she did not feel ready. She did start teaching at a very young age. She began to write when one of her students told her that she needed to start writing. She started writing after seeing an act of child abuse at the grocery store. The scene gave her idea for a short story. She entered her story, One Small Torch, into a short story competition. She got 1st place in the contest. Her short story was published and she was given a five thousand dollar award. One Small Torch was her first book published.
Other Activities...
Sharon Draper is active in many other activities including:
~ Active participant in the activities of the YWCA of Cincinnati.
~ Member of the National Council of Teachers in English.
~ Member of the International Reading Association.
~ Member of the Top Ladies of Distinction.
~ Has been a guest on television and radio shows across the country.
~ She is an accomplished public speaker.
~ Active participant in the activities of the YWCA of Cincinnati.
~ Member of the National Council of Teachers in English.
~ Member of the International Reading Association.
~ Member of the Top Ladies of Distinction.
~ Has been a guest on television and radio shows across the country.
~ She is an accomplished public speaker.
Awards...
~ National Teacher of the Year Award
~ New York Times Best Selling Author
~ Ohio Teacher of the Year Award
~ NCNW Excellence in Teaching Award
~ Coretta Scott King Award
~ Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
~ Duncanson Artist-in-Reside
~ YWCA Career Woman of Achievement
~ Deans Award from Howard University School of Education
~ Pepperdine University Distinguished Alumnus Award
~ Marva Collins Education Excellence Award
~ Governors Educational Leadership Award
~ Ohio Pioneer in Education
~ Beacon of Light Humanitarian Award
~ Doctor of Laws Degree
~ Jeremiah Ludington Memorial Award
~ New York Times Best Selling Author
~ Ohio Teacher of the Year Award
~ NCNW Excellence in Teaching Award
~ Coretta Scott King Award
~ Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
~ Duncanson Artist-in-Reside
~ YWCA Career Woman of Achievement
~ Deans Award from Howard University School of Education
~ Pepperdine University Distinguished Alumnus Award
~ Marva Collins Education Excellence Award
~ Governors Educational Leadership Award
~ Ohio Pioneer in Education
~ Beacon of Light Humanitarian Award
~ Doctor of Laws Degree
~ Jeremiah Ludington Memorial Award