In a heartfelt moment at the Thompson School District R-2J meeting, Jessica May, a dedicated language arts teacher, shared her journey to becoming the 2025 Teacher of the Year. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as she recounted the surprise of receiving an email in May 2023, informing her of her nomination by a community member.

The application process was no small feat; it required a deep reflection on her teaching career, taking her five to six hours to complete. May described the application as a reflective practice, prompting her to consider her impact on students, especially those who struggle. “It was good for me to go back through kind of my career and think about these things,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection in teaching.

Once the applications were submitted, a selection committee of over 20 members from various fields evaluated the candidates. May was thrilled to learn she was among the seven finalists after a rigorous interview process. “I was on TV. My mom is thinking I'm a rock star,” she recalled, her pride evident as she described the supportive environment created by her colleagues and the community.

The culmination of her journey was a memorable assembly at Turner Middle School, where dignitaries and fellow educators celebrated her achievement. “Hearing the things that people see in me was awesome,” she reflected, capturing the magic of the moment. May’s story not only highlights her personal triumph but also underscores the vital role of educators in shaping the future, especially in a post-COVID world where the need for connection and understanding in education has never been more critical.