Teacher Tuesday 18 - Megan Thompson: Rockstar 2nd grade Rookie @ Caliber ChangeMakers Academy

Above, Megan conferences with Kendell as he works on publishing his informational writing!

Meet Megan Thompson, our 2nd grade rookie who is dominating her first year as a lead teacher. Her students are focused, engaged, and invested in all that is going on in her classroom. 

From Megan's fellow teacher at CMA: "I am amazed that Megan is ONLY a first year teacher - and what I mean by that is she manages her classroom with compassion, organization and excitement!  Megan is a true student advocate and loves what she does! Her journey has just begun yet has impacted so many already..."

More insight from staff at CMA: "Megan teaches her heart out day in and day out- whether during a SEL lesson in morning circle or modeling an exemplar writer's workshop lesson. She embodies strong pedagogical content knowledge and strives relentlessly to meet the needs of all learners. She constantly seeks fun and engaging ways to support her students whether through silly chants, great interactive videos, call-response, one-on-one conferencing, small group instruction and most recently by adding TWO new members to the classroom mid-year: guinea pigs! Megan truly lives out what it means to have a growth mindset and to strive to give her students the absolute BEST!" 

Learn all about Megan from a recent interview: 
I grew up in a small rural town outside of Buffalo, NY and then went to college about an hour away at SUNY Geneseo! I loved my time there, where I majored in Childhood and Special Education with a minor in Spanish. About a year before graduating, I started to look into moving to California.  At that point it was just a pipe dream; I had always lived in upstate New York and considering a cross country move was overwhelming! But another year passed, and I still felt like it was what I needed to do. I started applying for jobs a few months before graduation, and came across Caliber.  From the very first individual I spoke to from the organization, it felt like the right fit. I found out I got the job, and 3 weeks later, just a month after graduation, I packed up everything and moved across the country. Now, 8 months later, I am still so happy that I did! Caliber has been so supportive of where I am now and what I want for the future, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

What is your favorite thing about teaching 2nd grade at CMA? 
My favorite thing about teaching 2nd grade is how much students grow in reading. To see how many levels some of my kids have grown is absolutely amazing! We just had a bunch of chapter books donated to our classroom, and the kids are so excited to be able to read them!

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
My favorite subject was writing - and I teach writing here at CMA, so I love being able to share my excitement for language and literature with my students.

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
Pretty much! I looked forward to going into my mom's classroom with her at the end of every summer to set up. Plus, I believe there is no better smell than a fresh box of crayons- so that sealed the deal :)

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
Sour Patch Kids!

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
I have never been to Europe, so that is at the top of my list; Spain, France, and Italy specifically. I would spend my time exploring all the go-to places as well as the local spots!

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Vallejo!)? 
I really love the weather out here! I can honestly say I don't miss the snow one bit- being able to spend weekends in the winter months outside, whether it be walking around the city or visiting a beach, has been absolutely amazing! Oh, and the Mexican food is INCREDIBLE.

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? Or something else awesome that you want to share :) 
I cannot ride a bike... I used to know how, but I had back surgery about 8 years ago and ever since then, whenever I get on a bike I end up on the ground....  And, I collect license plates! My classroom has a travel theme so it fits in perfectly :)

Come visit CMA to see Megan in action!