Charlie Johnson, Ray McManus (SC doctoral candidate writer in residence), Sarah Bracey, and Zakiya Mickle enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in Barbara Thomson’s classroom.

Richland Northeast High School is proud to call Barbara Thomson one of its own. This innovative educator has been leading her school and the state in gifted and talented instruction over 30 years. She currently teaches creative writing employing the practices of brain–based learning, which include a relaxed, comfortable environment, soft lights, welcoming chairs, and tables with rounded edges.

Thomson’s unique approach is based in part on educational scientist Eric Jensen’s research, and encourages students to obtain their academic pursuits outside the parameters of the traditional English, test–driven class.

Barbara Thomson says now is the most exciting time to be in teaching because we know the science of teaching. According to Thomson, this approach has her students writing more and writing better. There is virtually no lost instructional time, and she rarely has to direct students back to what they are supposed to be doing. She is constantly implementing more facets of this “cutting edge” educational theory in an effort to improve her teaching and her students’ performance.

Marjorie Wrigley and Alex Rowland, seniors, have been in Barbara Thomson’s writing class for four years. Brain–based learning focuses on how the learning environment can positively stimulate the learning process. It works on the premise that students who enjoy being in the classroom feel at ease and are more motivated to perform for a sense of personal achievement. According to Thomson, the calming and invitational classroom atmosphere has helped students focus and perform better.

Thomson’s innovative brain–based approach to teaching does not have published results, but students often tell Thomson they love her classroom. This comfort in the classroom helps Thomson achieve her teaching objectives by stimulating thought, encouraging creativity, and enhancing performance.

Thomson’s credentials include an undergraduate degree with a major in Education and a minor in history from Winthrop University, a master’s degree in educational writing, and National Board Certification. Comprehensive training in Cognitive Coaching and the Santa Cruz model for Mentoring has helped Thomson serve as a mentor to Richland Two’s first–year teachers. She currently serves as the district’s mentor/coach for all first–year language arts teachers in middle and high schools. She is a certified Lead Teacher and teaches in the state’s Program for Alternative Certification (PACE), which teaches adults changing careers the best teaching practices. This tireless educator has also served as the Creative Writing Program Director for the Tri-District Arts Consortium, and currently serves as the district’s Literary Arts Program Director.

Over the years, Thomson has been very influential throughout the state in teacher recruitment. She taught in the SC Teacher Cadet Program for 17 years and helped rewrite its statewide curriculum twice. The purpose of the Teacher Cadet program is to attract the best and brightest young people to the teaching profession. Thomson served on the Task Force and Policy Board for this program 7 years.

Thomson’s tireless efforts positively impact students and fellow teachers each day. Her dedication to the field of education and her students are apparent in everything she does. Thomson says she will continue to teach as long as her methods are innovative and her students are responsive. Most of her students say they hope she will be in the classroom for many years to come.