LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michele Thompson was nominated by her colleague, Brooke Enos. 

"Michele Thompson has been an outstanding special education teacher at Fort Washakie School on the Wind River Reservation since she started here in the summer of 2024. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to providing high-quality education during her time here. Michele has been an invaluable asset to the school community, and her commitment to her students is unparalleled," said Enos.

She is deeply motivated and works tirelessly to ensure that each of her students receives a tailored education that meets their unique needs. Her extensive knowledge in designing appropriate curricula has been instrumental in fostering both academic and personal growth among her students. Ms. Thompson's ability to think creatively allows her to develop innovative teaching strategies that engage and inspire her students, helping them achieve their full potential.

A proven example of Ms. Thompson's ability to make a beneficial difference in students' lives is her work with an elementary student. Last school year, a student spent most of the school day in a Life Skills classroom and experienced several instances of severe behavior each month. Under Ms. Thompson's guidance this school year, the student only had a handful of behavioral incidents at the beginning of the year while getting used to her classroom. She crafted a unique, individualized, structured learning environment that met the student's needs. This environment helped the student progress within the general education classroom without regular challenging behaviors. Ms. Thompson has successfully taught the student how to request breaks before the student reaches a point of escalation. The student has also learned other strategies for emotional regulation under Ms. Thompson's talented and dedicated teaching methods.

Ms. Thompson's leadership within the school is evident. Teachers consistently seek her out for support with building social stories for their students and designing other structured work systems. She is a trusted resource and mentor, always willing to share her expertise and collaborate to improve outcomes for students across the school. She is also deeply committed to producing a nurturing atmosphere. It is evident that all of her students feel safe with her, and she plays an integral role in teaching them how to express their needs. Her dedication to building strong relationships with her students further enhances their learning experience, creating an environment where they feel safe, understood, and encouraged to succeed.

Another of Ms. Thompson's many strengths is her exceptional ability to plan with precision and detail. Her foresight ensures that her classroom operates smoothly, providing her students with the structure and support they need to succeed. She meticulously designs individualized schedules and plans, outlining minute-to-minute activities for her students throughout the day. This level of preparedness ensures that all team members are aligned and know how to support their students at any moment. Such thorough planning helps her students thrive within a predictable routine. Simultaneously, she is adept at crafting teaching opportunities that encourage her students to embrace flexibility. She consistently prioritizes her students' best interests, holistically developing their educational goals and fostering their overall growth.

"Michele Thompson's impact on the Fort Washakie School and community has been profound. Her passion for education and unwavering dedication to her students set her apart as an exemplary educator. It has been an absolute privilege to work with Michele, and I wholeheartedly believe she is an excellent candidate for the LifeChanger of the Year Award," said Enos.