We are delighted to announce Ms. Mazzy Thompson, a ninth and tenth-grade Physical/Health Education teacher at San Francisco International High School, as our September Teacher of the Month!
Ms. Mazzy (as her students call her) has impressed us with her commitment to her students and school community, accruing accolades from fellow teachers and students alike for her creative and holistic approach to learning and her constant striving toward success for each student. According to them, Ms. Mazzy is encouraging, charismatic, and “Always checking on students and taking care of them as if they were her kids.”
Fellow teachers say that Ms. Mazzy makes a point of staying engaged with teachers on her team and is constantly seeking ways to incorporate new strategies for best practices. As one of her colleagues wrote, “Mazzy epitomizes a commitment to making every day useful and meaningful to students.” She has also been said to go “Way beyond the requirements and expectations of a PE and Health teacher to build empathy and community across cohorts and content areas”—whether it be collaborating on a project with a Literacy teacher on her team, working with a local clinic to provide truly comprehensive health education, or finding creative ways to incorporate reading and writing into her classes.
Colleagues concur that she is “The most innovative and thoughtful Physical Education teacher I have ever seen or worked with,” and “She constantly looks for new ways to challenge students and build literacy routines.”
It is no doubt that Ms. Mazzy’s efforts are greatly appreciated and recognized by her community. From everyone at 826 Valencia, our hats are off to you, Ms. Mazzy! Thank you for your continued great work with students!
Read more about our Teacher of the Month program, and how to nominate a special teacher in your life.