Penny Thompson

Dr. Penny Thompson has been an educator since 1982 when she began teaching first-grade at Navasota ISD in Navasota, Texas. She later taught as a second-grade teacher at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee for three years. In 1991 she joined the Lebanon Special School District as a first-grade teacher for 8 years and Transition-first for 2 years. She was named Byars Dowdy Teacher of the Year and LSSD Grades K-5 Teacher of the Year. Dr. Thompson earned her M.S and Ed.S. in administration and supervision during that time. In 2001 she served as Byars Dowdy Assistant Principal, then moved to a central office position in 2004 in her current role as Instructional Coordinator and Pre-K Director.

Among educators who have inspired Dr. Thompson is her father who was a long-time educator and high-school principal. He modeled how to be an effective leader and advocate for educators.

In 2015 Dr. Thompson earned her Ph.D. in literacy studies, and has served on several TDOE advisory boards such as the Early Literacy Advisory Task Force, the Commissioners Early Literacy Council, and currently on the Reading 360 Literacy Advisory Council.  Additionally, she serves on the MTSU Advisory Committee and is a Cumberland University Adjunct Professor.

Dr. Thompson’s professional philosophy is that every child deserves high-quality education regardless of their background, and the beginning of a child’s educational career begins with reading and writing proficiency. She enjoys working in a district whose motto is “always do what is best for students”.

You can follow Penny on Twitter at @PennyTh00680704. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.