Murphy Middle School 2026

Kelly Thompson

Murphy Middle School - Middle School Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher – Skills & Career Readiness; Principles of Human Services, Grades 7-8
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Teaching Philosophy

I was once a little girl who sat on the curb of my home in a new town, waiting for people to walk by so I could introduce myself and chat with them. Yes, I was the student who often had citizenship remarks or progress notes written to my mother (who was an esteemed teacher) that informed her of my too talkative nature, to which she replied, "Tell me something I don't know." We laugh about this now, because I have a daughter very similar in nature and she reminds me that she always knew my talkative personality would serve me well in my future. My mother's intuition was right because that talkative nature became my greatest teaching superpower. It allows me to lean into the gift of gab to build authentic bridges with my students. I often tell my students my mantra to ‘act happier than you feel, and the rest can catch up,' as it reflects the joyful, resilient, and supportive environment I strive to build in my classroom each day. Teaching brings my love for connecting with others and my creative energy to life, and Family and Consumer Sciences provides the perfect setting for this.

As a middle school educator, I commit to engaging seventh and eighth-grade students in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that not only build essential academic skills but also prepare them for life beyond school. With that said, I also recognize the value of moments that can warm someone's day or carry on a memory, like when eigth grade footballs players rush to be the one who gets to wear the floral apron for the cooking lab, or when a former student emails from college wanting the recipe for macaroni and cheese that he made in 7th grade. I truly love working with this age group because middle schoolers are delightfully quirky, unexpectedly funny, and especially unique. They keep me on my toes with their energy and evolving thoughts and identities. Middle school is a vital time of personal, emotional, and social growth, and my goal is to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students can explore and reflect on their interests, values, goals, and begin to shape who they want to become. When people hear I have been in the same school and classroom, teaching the same subject, they usually look at me with a mix of shock and sympathy. I just laugh because I know, teaching at Murphy Middle School in the wonderfully unique community of Murphy, I am not just 'still' teaching, I am still energized by it. Each day gives me a chance to connect, and as long as I am laughing with my students, I know exactly where I am supposed to be.

My philosophy of education is much like my students: It is a work in progress. It is always evolving and never quite finished. At the core, it is the belief that learning is most powerful when students can see its relevance to their own lives. As the world outside my classroom grows more complex, I feel a strong professional responsibility to grow by reflecting on my teaching practices, the way I operate my classroom, and the relationships I build that support students' success. This ongoing reflection allows me to adjust instruction, routines, and expectations to meet the needs of my students and create a classroom culture where they feel supported and respected. I don't just reflect in private, though; I intentionally model reflection for my students at the conclusion of each lab, major unit or semester by asking questions about what they struggled with, what they enjoyed, and how the instruction helped them learn. I also apologize when I make a mistake or react too soon, modeling personal accountability in hopes of encouraging them to take ownership of their own character growth and set goals for who they want to become. Teaching life skills in my courses allows opportunities to help them see what they learn in my room is not just for a grade, but a toolkit they can use to make purposeful choices for their futures.

Teaching Family & Consumer Sciences is a privilege I truly love. Because FCS is an elective, I have come to view my teaching style and classroom as a 'brand,' and I care about students being excited to take it. I want my class to be known for all the topics we explore, activities that connect peers, and of course, the food and sewing project we produce. I want students to feel safe and look forward to our class time together. I feel honored to guide students in a subject that can have such a real impact on their lives, both now and in the future. FCS helps students develop the skills they need to be career and work ready, while also fostering knowledge and habits necessary to build strong families and healthy relationships. FCS empowers students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and equips them with the tools to lead more fulfilling lives. The holistic nature of FCS allows me to support students' growth academically, socially, and personally, making it a unique and valuable part of their middle school experience.

Whether I am teaching students how to complete a job application, guiding them in selecting high school courses aligned with their interests and career goals, or introducing hands-on skills such as cooking or hand sewing, I design lessons that promote ownership, confidence, and meaningful engagement. I prioritize both hands-on and collaborative learning experiences that foster student buy-in by helping students understand the purpose behind each lesson and how it connects to their lives. I am rewarded with moments of laughter or genuine sweetness when I observe students try new skills for the first time and progress as they help each other. Some of my favorite moments happen when students with different interests and abilities come together around a shared task, like learning how to hand-sew. Watching them help one another, problem-solve, encourage one another, and have genuine fun along the way reminds me why I love what I get to do each day.

Beyond the curriculum, I prioritize the personality of my classroom to ensure it feels inviting and engaging. Whether it is utilizing a ticket system for positive behaviors or collecting student input for our playlist while we sew, I want them to have ownership of our atmosphere. I have learned that caring for details can help day-to-day operations run successfully. Establishing routines and procedures that create a calm and predictable setting is important for students to be regulated, so they can learn to the best of their ability. I make an effort to show up for my students' activities. It helps me learn about what they care about and see them in a different light. Teaching Family & Consumer Sciences is a true privilege, and I feel fortunate to facilitate these memorable experiences that are very similar to my fond memories with my former FCS teachers.

At the heart of my teaching is a commitment to helping students feel supported, valued and capable of growth. Through FCS, I am able to guide students as they learn meaningful skills, discover their strengths, and align their decisions with their values. I feel fortunate to do this work each day, alongside my amazing middle school colleagues and FCS team, aiming to help students develop a toolkit that extends beyond the classroom. Looking back, that talkative little girl sitting on the curb was just looking for a way to connect with her community; I am grateful I found a career that allows me to help students do the exact same thing.

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Principal's Recommendation

Dear Plano ISD Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is with great pride and sincere enthusiasm that I recommend Kelly Thompson, Family and Consumer Sciences educator at Murphy Middle School, for Plano Independent School District's Teacher of the Year. During her more than two decades of service to Plano ISD, Mrs. Thompson has exemplified the very best of our profession through her unwavering commitment to students, her innovative instructional practices, and her deep investment in the school and greater Murphy community. She embodies the competencies outlined in Plano ISD's Leadership Profile—Connect, Relate, Serve, Cultivate, Impact, and Expect Excellence—not as aspirational ideals, but as daily practices that define her work.

Mrs. Thompson's classroom is a place where learning is meaningful, joyful, and deeply relevant. As a Family and Consumer Sciences educator, she engages seventh- and eighth-grade students in hands- on, real-world learning experiences that equips them with essential life skills while building confidence, independence, and character. Her instruction goes far beyond content mastery; she intentionally designs lessons that help students understand the why behind what they are learning and how it connects to their lives beyond middle school. Whether students are completing a job application, exploring career pathways, learning to sew, or cooking in a lab setting, Mrs. Thompson ensures that each experience fosters ownership, collaboration, and personal growth.

What sets Mrs. Thompson apart is her extraordinary ability to connect with students. She creates a classroom environment that is safe, welcoming, and filled with joy—one where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to be their authentic selves. Many students openly express that they want to be in her class, a true testament to the sense of belonging and joy she cultivates each day. Her natural ability to build authentic relationships allows her to reach a wide range of learners and engage even the most reluctant students. She models reflection, accountability, and growth by openly acknowledging mistakes and guiding students to reflect on their learning and personal development. As a result, students leave her classroom not only with practical skills, but with increased confidence, self-worth, and a belief in their own potential.

Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Thompson is a respected leader and collaborator on campus. She currently serves as Elective Team Lead, ATPE Campus Representative, and mentor to beginning teachers—roles she fulfills with professionalism, humility, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Her leadership extends district-wide through her long-standing work in Career and Technical Education curriculum writing, where she has collaborated with middle and high school educators to develop rigorous, scaffolded Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum aligned to TEKS and post-secondary readiness goals. Her influence has shaped instruction not only at Murphy Middle School, but across Plano ISD's middle school FCS programs.

Mrs. Thompson's impact also reaches well beyond the school walls. Her willingness to step up and volunteer beyond what is expected has earned her the deep respect of colleagues, parents, and the broader Plano ISD community. She is deeply committed to family and community engagement, maintaining active involvement in multiple PTAs, supporting district and community initiatives, and fostering strong relationships with parents and stakeholders. Her dedication to service reflects her belief that education is a shared responsibility and that schools thrive when relationships are nurtured and valued.

As part of the campus Teacher of the Year nomination process, both colleagues and students spoke passionately about the profound impact Mrs. Thompson has had on their lives. Colleagues consistently describe her as nurturing, reflective, creative, and deeply student-centered. She has unmatched energy, passion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to teaching every student with equity, compassion, and care. Colleagues frequently note that Ms. Thompson teaches with her whole heart, ensuring that every learner—regardless of background or ability—receives her full attention, advocacy, and respect.

Students describe Ms. Thompson as a teacher who makes learning fun, meaningful, and memorable. They credit her with helping them feel confident trying new skills, safe being themselves, and prepared for real life beyond middle school. Several students shared that her class is one they look forward to each day and that the lessons they learn in her room are ones they will carry with them long after leaving Murphy Middle School. These reflections affirm that Mrs. Thompson's influence is not only instructional, but deeply personal and lasting.

Kelly Thompson is the kind of educator whose impact endures long after students leave her classroom. Former students often reconnect years later to share how her lessons, encouragement, and care shaped their paths. This lasting influence speaks volumes about her effectiveness, authenticity, and heart for teaching.

Murphy Middle School and Plano ISD are fortunate to have an educator of Mrs. Thompson's caliber. She represents the very best of our profession, and I can think of no one more deserving of recognition as Plano ISD Teacher of the Year.

Sincerely,

Tramy Tran, PhD
Principal
Murphy Middle School