Derek Thomas

@MaddoxCowart @Wofford_FB @JacobPoag @EnnsZoneKicking Way to go Maddox! Congrats buddy!

I am very thankful and honored to say that I have committed to further my academic and athletic career at @Wofford_FB thank you to @JacobPoag and everyone who has helped me along the way! @EnnsZoneKicking

@mrsjenisegorman @JohniBroome @HCPSAthletics Great game! Go Gators!

BEST experience ever! What a game!! @JohniBroome got to represent @HCPSAthletics in the Final Four!! AUsome 💙🧡

@kpfallon Funniest thing I’ve seen in weeks.

I don’t think I’ve laughed this hard in a long, long time.

@SwatMLacrosse @dkaplan46 @cabney02 They so deserve this opportunity! Go Garnet.

The boys were a little happy to hear their name called! So grateful for the privilege of another week together! #GoGarnet @dkaplan46 @cabney02

Delicious Air-Dried Instant Noodles 🍜 No artificial ingredients ❌ Add to your weeknight staples & order now while you still can!

@MsgtConteh @pop_phsnews @PlantHighSchool Well deserved. Outstanding young man.

@PlantHighSchool Great pics. The cookie party was awesome - as always.

Big thanks to our Pantherific PTSA for organizing the delightful cookie exchange. 🍪 Grateful for the sweet treats and wonderful community spirit! 🖤💛#strengththroughunity

@TalksWTeachers This is outstanding Brian. My fellow teachers and I have spent the last two lunches discussing your insights and appreciating your potential solutions. Thanks for sharing and for voicing some of the dilemmas we are facing.

A recent study revealed that only 12% of teachers are “very satisfied” with their jobs. That number has dropped 27 points in the past decade. Here are three reasons for the decline, but also solutions for the problems. #aplit #aplitchat #ncte muchadoaboutteaching.com/the-roots-of-t…

@VanAyresHCPS @HillsboroughSch We are lucky to have you leading us. Congratulations.

.@HillsboroughSch and its community have always been home to me. I am proud and privileged to serve this district as superintendent and thank the Board for placing their trust in me. It meant the world to have my family by my side as I embark on this next chapter of my career.

@PlantHighSchool Outstanding!

Congratulations to Mrs. Moseley for being selected as a recipient of the 2023 Yale Educator Award. Thank you Luke McLaughlin for nominating Mrs. Moseley! 🖤💛

@mrsjenisegorman Nice room! 😉

1st hospitality room Let's gooooo Plant!! 🐾📣

As we prepare to take our youngest son up to begin his college journey at @Swarthmore next week, it’s confirmed for me that the best part of parenting is watching him spread his wings and grow into who he wants to be. Simultaneously, Its also the saddest part of being a parent.

How’s this for inspiration: Chatting with new students the first day and one of them says to me (with all the confidence and passion a 17 year old can muster) - “I’ve waited three years to finally get you as a teacher. Don’t disappoint me.” #ItsAnHonor #WhatWeDoMatters

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got! #GreatTeachersGrow. It’s a new school year. Pledge to do something differently with your students. Strive for new results. They may actually be better!

It is absolutely possible to make an ordinary person feel extraordinary. And that is the job of a great teacher. #BackToSchool2023

As we begin the school year, it’s worth noting that perhaps the hardest thing about being an effective teacher is the constant need to choose “doing what’s right” over “doing what’s easy.” It just matters every single time.

I just continue to realize - more and more each year, that the most essential things we can offer our students are opportunities to open their hearts and minds. The key to a successful, fulfilling life is the ability to understand and empathize. Let’s find ways to show students!

Learning simply does not occur when the learner does not feel valued. We have to find ways to make each student feel valued in our classroom FIRST. Then we can worry about curriculum, teaching strategies, & the rest of what makes the magic happen. Pave the way for learning first.

Something I’m really trying to focus on going into this new school year is that not all young people peak in high school & that’s a very good thing. Just because a kid struggles in class doesn’t mean she isn’t a brilliant person who will lead a productive and valuable adult life.

Kids learn more from teachers who smile so let’s greet them with a smile & call them by name. Kids learn more from teachers who connect so let’s get to know them & what makes them unique. Kids learn more from teachers who encourage so let’s lift them up & notice their strengths