Oakview Middle School offers up Caroline Thompson as its Teacher of the Year nominee. Thompson joins Stan Ford and Katie Barney in the running for Oakland County’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
The language arts teacher says she owes her teaching success to her individualized program.
‘I try to meet the students emotionally and developmentally and push them higher in reading and writing,? said Thompson.
One of Thompson’s nominators and colleagues, Miriam Hamilton, commends Thompson for her passion for learning.
‘She is always looking for that better way, that different approach, that new idea that will reach students,? Hamilton said.
Originally from Royal Oak, Thompson lives in Berkley with her husband, Jeff. She graduated from the Academy of Sacred Heart in 1993 and earned her bachelor’s and did post-graduate work at Michigan State University. She received her Master in the Art of Reading degree from Oakland University.
‘I started at the Detroit College of Law. …I wanted to affect change but I didn’t feel I could do it that way,? Thompson said.
She’s been teaching in Lake Orion schools since 2001 and began at Oakview when its doors opened in 2002.
?(The Lake Orion district) seemed very family-oriented and that appealed to me,? she said.
Each of her nominators praised Thompson’s fresh, bright and enthusiastic personality and ever-changing classroom.
‘She changes the nature of her delivery from hour to hour if she suspects it will strengthen the delivery of the lesson, or if it will meet the needs of a particular group dynamic,? they said in the nomination form.
Thompson’s communication skills are especially impressive as she uses new technology like video, her blog, Moodle, live web-casts and e-mail to connect with students, staff and parents.
‘Caroline’s relationship with collegues and parents is visionary, collaborative and productive,? the form said.
John Blackstock and Beth Simon were also considered for the Oakview award.
‘I was honored to be held in such good company,? said Thompson. ‘Winning was such an honor because it comes from my peers.?
County-wide winners will be announced May 7.