The Presidential Award motivates me to find new ways to give students the best experience that I can. Like many working in education during and after the pandemic, I have felt lost, tired, and defeated. Regardless, students need inspirational teachers that care about them now more than ever, and this award is a reminder that I want to take part in reimagining education. I am lucky to have so many amazing educators in my life that constantly inspire me to be better, and I owe this award to them.

Jacob Thompson Northglenn, CO | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Jacob “Jake” Thompson teaches eighth grade computer science and digital literacy, and previously taught eighth grade mathematics, at STEM Lab, where he has spent the past four years of his 11-year career in education. Before this, he taught at Conrady Junior High School, where he spent one year as the Technology Instruction Coordinator after teaching sixth through eighth grade mathematics for four years. He spent the first year of his career at Oak Prairie Junior High teaching seventh grade mathematics. Jake has a passion for creating memorable experiences for his students. He loves crafting lessons around current events that will spark curiosity and engage students in the mathematics they are learning. His students also participate in Problem Based Learning projects each year, where they work in groups to come up with their own solutions to authentic problems before presenting to a panel of industry experts. His favorite project thus far had students find more equitable and impactful ways to administer fines for low-level crimes, where they supported their solutions with relevant data found through their own research. One of Jake’s strongest skills as a teacher is utilizing technology to help his students grow as 21st century learners. Beyond the typical technology tools used in mathematics classrooms, he utilizes robotics and coding to have students practice or demonstrate understanding of concepts they have learned. He has conducted many school and districtwide sessions throughout his career to help teachers use technology in their classrooms. Jake earned a B.S., cum laude, in mathematics teacher education from Illinois State University and an M.A.Ed. with a technology specialist endorsement from Dominican University. He is certified to teach mathematics grades 7-12.

Know a great teacher like Jacob Thompson? Nominate them for PAEMST!