Pam Thompson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love learning and education. I wanted to make a difference and give back. I was born to be a teacher and have been teaching for 50 years. I love it! Teaching allows me to share my passion for learning, help students overcome their challenges, build confidence, and enjoy education for its own sake. Every day brings new opportunities to make a difference. Knowing I play a part in students' growth and journey is rewarding.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have many! The most memorable, I would say, was a life-saving experience when I was a PE teacher in Nashville, TN, at USN. I was teaching swimming when one of my students was swimming from the deep end to the shallow end and had an epileptic attack. At first, I couldn't figure it out. When I did, I dove in after her, got her out, performed the necessary skills, and treated her accordingly. All the while, I was navigating my 3rd-grade class to be calm. To this day, I'm blessed!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I teach English As a New Language to mainly Hispanic children. If I won, I'd fund a professional development opportunity for myself and take a trip to Latin America to experience Hispanic Heritage. I'd buy badly needed classroom supplies, technology, and other resources. I'd also offer a grant/scholarship through a women's professional educational organization, Delta Kappa Gamma, that I belong to. I'd finish paying for my degree. Thank you for this opportunity.