Jasmin Thompson, a first grade teacher at Braun Station Elementary School, was told by her principal, Jack Funkhouser, that a television crew from the district was coming to do a story about the campus and that they would be visiting her classroom. She had no idea it was all a ruse.
Once the TV crew was set up in her classroom and the microphone was on her jacket, in walked Superintendent Dr. Brian Woods followed by KENS 5 Morning Anchor Sarah Forgany, more cameras, and even her mother and husband to surprise her.
The ten-year veteran teacher had a hard time holding back tears as she took in what was happening. Surrounded by her students, it was announced that their teacher was named the 2022-23 EXCEL Award winner for Northside ISD.
“This means that she is among the best of the best teachers in Northside,” said Dr. Woods to the students. “Do you agree?” They did.
Thompson started her career in NISD as an ECC worker at Lewis Elementary School, and then became a kindergarten teacher at Carnahan ES. She also taught at Boldt Elementary before moving to Braun Station Elementary School three years ago.
Thompson said that she didn’t choose to become a teacher, but that teaching chose her. “I’ve always felt drawn to serve children,” she said in her award application. “After having my own children, my passion and love for education has only deepened because what I want for my own children is the same thing that I want for all students that come info my classroom. “
“I want kids to feel loved and valued so that they can grow. I have been chosen to love, guide, direct, and lead students to success. This isn’t limited to academic success; I want my students to make good choices, be kind people, and do the work that is going to move them closer to their individual goals.”
“It takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to raise a teacher too, and I have such an amazing and beautiful community around me that continue to help me as an educator,” she added. “I am just overwhelmed by this moment, I am beyond words.”
The EXCEL Award is given to outstanding teachers in San Antonio and Bexar County school districts, and sponsored by KENS 5 TV and Credit Human. Representatives from these organizations presented Thompson with a clear apple trophy and a $1,000 check.
The story will air on KENS on Tuesday, Sept. 20 during the 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. broadcasts.