Starting from a career in the technology industry and then moving to substituting for schools, Mr. Mark Thompson begins his new journey as an Education Specialist in the Support Services Department. His teaching is directed towards the Resource Specialist Program and Support Service classes focusing on language arts, math and curriculum support.

Thompson worked as a substitute teacher for 18 years, where he discovered his passion for teaching.

“During the connection I made with the students during those first two years as a substitute teacher, I targeted the special education classrooms and felt like teaching high school would be best for me and my [students],” Thompson said. “I found a need within the special education classes and started targeting them as areas I would support and could see myself becoming a bigger part of.”

Thompson began his education journey at Santa Clara University, later on transferring to San Jose State, where he received his teaching credential. 

Working to become more familiar with the school, Thompson learns the new systems, routines and programs on campus, all while being motivated by those around him.

“My brother has been a teacher for about 25 years and my aunt had a career in teaching, so there’s a few different connections to teaching in my family,” Thompson said. “Mr. John Luna, who was teaching here last year as a long-term sub, said the department and the students were amazing. With his good recommendation, I targeted this school as the place I wanted to be and was lucky enough to land here.”

Thompson started his training career as a daily substitute teacher and then transitioned to the special education department. Before coming to Whitney, Thompson taught in the Bay Area for 18 years.

“[Thompson] comes with years and years of experience so he’s well-versed in helping students in need, and he has good humor too,” Mrs. Jennifer Lagomariso said. “It seems like he can relate well to the students so far.”

Although he has been a part of the staff for a short period of time, Thompson is constantly adapting to his new environment as he co-teaches alongside Lagomarsino, Mr. Adam Paulson and Ms. Janice Stadller.

”[Thompson] is getting used to Whitney and becoming more comfortable with the culture,” Lagomariso said. “I think in the future, he will be participating more, connecting with students and continue to build relationships.”

Thompson’s dedication to putting students first is showcased in how he structures his classroom environment, placing an emphasis on individual needs.

“[Thompson] prioritizes what’s good for [the students] and what they need,” Margaret Crocker said.  “It’s not a ‘one size fits all,’ since they all need something different and he does a great job at understanding that.”

by LILA COMBS, ROWEN KIBBY, MILA KLJAJIN, DESIREE MONTEJANO, RHAYMARK NAZARENO, SIERRA OROSCO & NATALIA TAKEUCHI