LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Margie Thompson was nominated by her colleague, Dana Hutchison.

When it comes to being an educator, strong content knowledge has been the expectation. Educators are expected to teach students how to read, write, and understand math at varying levels from pre-kindergarten to college level. They leave college with at least a basic skill set for teaching certain content and even a basic skill set for understanding how human beings develop from child to adult. However, having a knack for being mindful and aware of the human condition, nuances between individuals, and the varying social/emotional needs of others is not an innate ability that everyone possesses.

This doesn’t mean everyone doesn’t care in some way or have some level of empathy for the students and colleagues they work with. It is, on the other hand, very rare to find someone in any home or workplace who is able to “take care of hearts while taking care of business.”

Mrs. Thompson has taught middle school and high school for about 20 years. Her focus has been students with special needs. At the middle school level, she mainly supported struggling students in the area of mathematics. Her ability to notice students’ level of understanding and misconceptions and to teach in an approachable, relevant way for each of her students is to be commended.

"I mention her approachability because that is a trait that should be regarded as a necessity in working with students," said Hutchinson. "The children we work with are all dealing with their own struggles and individual personalities and experiences and each one deserves to feel that they can approach a teacher and expect to be received with kindness, concern, and an enthusiasm for helping meet his/her needs. She is known for her approachability for our students, their family members, and our faculty members."

Educators have always had a challenging role that runs the gamut, from ensuring students learn content, to ensuring students’ social-emotional well-being is also made a priority. This is not a new concept, as humans have always had those needs. The job of teaching isn't for everyone, but people like Mrs. Thompson who have the genuine heart for it can truly make a difference in so many lives.

Without the need to be recognized, Mrs. Thompson often sees a need and addresses it without a second thought. When it comes to the needs she notices with learning, she maintains patience, even if it's the 50th time a student has needed a concept explained. Her tone in working with students is respectful at all times. Because she works to develop relationships with her students, she is also able to have the difficult conversations with students who aren’t holding up their end of the bargain at times.

Her ability to recognize when a student is giving up, feeling frustrated, or getting overwhelmed and addressing the need without bringing negative attention to the situation is so essential to being an effective teacher. Yet, this valuable knack is not all that common. According to research, a small percentage of people have the highest levels of empathy, which is a social-emotional skill needed to maximize teaching and learning efforts with others.

"I would suggest that Mrs. Thompson is in this small percentage who have this high level of empathy and the willingness to do what needs to be done to make a difference for others," said Hutchinson. "She often notices when a student’s basic needs are not being met and acts without hesitation to fill that need. For example, she pays for student lunches, clothes, shoes, participation in activities that cost, and all because of her ability to recognize the need without being asked."

Her current work at Jones County High School as Career Technical Instructor (CTI) has allowed her to broaden the number of students she reaches. Students who are under her care have been recognized as students with disabilities and are in specific career and technical subject fields that can help them learn skills needed for the outside world upon graduation.

"This position is new to Jones County School System, and I feel certain she was hand-picked because of her reputation as someone who will do whatever needs to be done to help students be successful. She works in the classrooms in a collaborative setting supporting both the teachers and students," said Hutchinson. "Mrs. Thompson also plans workshops and events for students to participate in that provide access to activities and services they would not otherwise be presented with. She often works beyond the regular school day to ensure that she prepares the best laid plans for these students and teachers. Lastly, I believe her genuineness allows her to be a support for the entire family. She does not shy away from challenging situations with students’ families. Regardless of the differing struggles, she provides the level of support, understanding, and empathy needed to help the family in both minor and major ways."

"Mrs. Thompson is so much more than what many would consider a teacher to be. She works hard at ensuring her qualifications for teaching the content are exemplary. She regularly seeks out professional learning that will help her become better at making a difference for others. Mrs. Thompson is someone who does not realize the impact she makes in others' lives. She just does whatever needs to be done because her heart is in education for students as individuals," said Hutchison.