If you have an opportunity to read Southern Middle School’s climate feedback from students, you will consistently see this educator’s name. She creates a classroom community where students feel connected and seen.

She serves in multiple leadership capacities throughout the county. She has presented at many dance specific professional development courses, is on the staff for the dance festival, helped plan the AACPS Dance Gala, serves as a new teacher mentor, head of Faculty Council, and uses her professional judgement in all that she does. Additionally, she is the director of the Summer Discovering Dance and Summer Dance Intensive.

Ms. Marina Thompson, from Southern Middle School, goes above and beyond in her role as dance teacher to implement programs for the school community. She supports Southern middle school staff through her service as a teacher liaison and social committee chair. You will often find her dressed up for theme days at school, serving snacks to staff on a musical cart.

She uses her positive connections in the community to have parents donate items to staff for fun events. She stays busy! This past year she ran the Hoops for Heart Fundraiser and raised over $2,000. The fundraiser also culminated in a PBIS event for Southern middle with a student vs. staff basketball game. Ms. Thompson coordinated our PBIS end of year Field Day event for every grade, which was a huge success and a memorable experience for the students and staff.

Marina Thompson, your positivity and energy are infectious. You help to create a fun and creative learning environment at Southern Middle School. So, for these reasons and many more, the Board of Education awards you as the May 2024 Educator of the Month.