In the Spring of 2019, the London City School District published its Portrait of a Graduate, which highlights the key skills and attitudes necessary for district graduates to have success in college and careers. Our district uses the Portrait of a Graduate to help design meaningful teaching and learning experiences for our students. In a similar way during the Spring of 2022, the London City School District worked to identify and publish the most valued skills and dispositions that educators should demonstrate daily to help prepare our students to be future-ready. These skills include:
Effective Communication,
Focused on Relationship-Building,
Being Flexible and Adaptable,
Demonstrating High Integrity; and,
Being a role model for Life-Long Learning.
Desirae Thomas was recognized during the December Regular Board of Education meeting for substantially demonstrating the district’s Portrait of an Educator. Congratulations Mrs. Thomas!
Nominated by Mrs. Knaebel:
Mrs. Thomas is only in her third year of teaching (2nd in London), but you wouldn't know it. Her skill, passion, and tenacity in ensuring her students get what they need to succeed is unmatched.
Over the past year and a half, she's been given a caseload of students with a wide variety of needs. She works hard to meet the needs of each one of her students. If one thing doesn't work, she tries again. If that doesn't work, she will go back to the drawing board and keep trying different things until she has a breakthrough with that student and can help them succeed. She is passionate about what she does and works tirelessly to ensure she advocates for her students and pushes them to success. From matching them with the appropriate accommodations, learning specific strategies, and building relationships with them, she invests her time and energy into each student. The families of her students have taken notice as well. Many have complimented her with the great communication and progress she has made with their students.
I'm also excited to say that Mrs. Thomas has decided to pursue a Master's Degree in educational leadership. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her and the students whose lives she touches.
Nominated by Parent/Mr. Stutzman:
I had a meeting with a set of parents who were concerned for their special needs daughter, who is in Mrs. Thomas’ class. The parents had amazing things to say about her dedication, communication, and efforts towards helping and assisting their daughter in every way. They were very apprehensive about their child entering middle school with the dramatic changes from elementary life. However, now they are very comfortable and excited about their daughter's experience with Mrs Thomas. It is clear that Mrs. Thomas is focused on relationship-building and is an outstanding member of our staff.
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