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Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.
Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of articles, we will highlight our 2022 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.
2022 Extraordinary Educator: Katelyn Thompson
Katelyn Thompson started her teaching career at Oak View Elementary School three years ago. When she started at Oak View in 2018, she was an Exceptional Children’s Teacher Assistant. That same year, she stepped into the role of a 5th-grade math teacher from December until the end of the year. That experience taught her so much and she has been a 5th-grade teacher for two years now!
Thompson comes to Oak View daily fulfilled as she walks in; her purpose is to impact the lives of children. Having supportive colleagues has directly impacted her success. The team of teachers she works with support each other in every way possible.
Bennie Bradley, the principal of Oak View Elementary School, describes Mrs. Thompson as a “budding super-teacher”; “her ability to encounter challenges or opportunities with resolve and professionalism puts her in a class of her own.”
According to Bradley, Mrs. Thompson “creates a place where scholars have the opportunity to learn math in ways they will see it in their everyday life.”
Mrs. Thompson wants her students and families to know “that they have helped me grow as an educator and a person and I will forever cherish the relationships I’ve built with their scholars.
She goes on to say “I am proud of them and will always be in their corner! I love seeing scholars from previous years and asking them ‘How’s middle school?’ “
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: In high school, I did several internships. One of the internships I did was in a pre-kindergarten class with Guilford County Schools. The teacher took me in and was the reason I wanted to continue my work in education. I want students to have what I had as a 5th-grade student. My 5th-grade teacher changed my life. She believed in me. The school was hard for me. It was the internships through high school and college that pushed me to pursue a degree in education. I wanted to help support young people in any way I could.
Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?
A: If you were to enter my classroom you would see structure, hands-on learning, collaboration, and an overall community of learners. Building relationships with scholars from day one has aided my success. I want them to know I am here to support them in their educational journey and their journey through life. When they leave Oak View, I want them to have the skills to be successful and confident in who they are. I am patient and kind. I lead through examples. I tell my scholars, just do. I just do it! Taking risks is essential to growth.
Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?
A: Always do your best, be kind to everyone, and do what is right. I always say these to scholars because as they move on, I want them to grow and be successful.
Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?
A: The best part of every day is that every day is a new day! Every day there is something different and exciting happening. I get to spend most of my day building strong relationships with my students and filling their minds with knowledge.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?
A: This year has been a year of change and challenges that have helped shape me as an influential educator. Based on effective instructional practices carried out in my classroom, I was asked to lead a professional learning session with Oak View’s entire staff. I didn’t feel like I was worthy enough to carry out the professional learning session as asked because I was a second-year classroom teacher. Many thoughts of doubt crept in; I was knowledgeable but wasn’t confident in myself. I carried out the professional learning session and it went great! Staff members were receptive, and many followed up after the session for further support because they wanted more information. This experience taught me so much. One thing I learned is that as a new educator I too was learning, and this was a huge step for me to get up in front of my colleagues to share my abilities and impact a classroom beyond my own. This was the beginning of opportunities to lead throughout the year.
Q: Is there any other information you would like us to share with the community?
A: I love working in the community and doing what I can to make a difference in a scholar’s education. I want all scholars to believe in themselves and know that they are worthy when they put their minds to something and work hard each day! The support High Point has given Oak View is incredible. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work in this community.
Mrs. Thompson is just one of High Point’s 2022 Extraordinary Educators. Tune in for the next few weeks to hear more stories and inspiring moments from our local teachers!
Thank you so much to Katelyn Thompson for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2022 Extraordinary Educator!
To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.
Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff
