Teacher of the year: Floyd T. Binns Middle School

About this series

On May 14, Culpeper County Public Schools will honor its teachers and classified employees of the year during an annual banquet. This year, the celebration will be held at the Germanna Community College’s Daniel Technology Center. The Star-Exponent is profiling the candidates — one from each of the county’s public schools.

At the age of 12, Alyssa Thompson knew she wanted to teach students with disabilities.

“Throughout high school, I spent a great deal of time with the multiple disability class in Castalia, Ohio, as well as visiting various other classrooms in Erie County so that I could learn different ways of teaching and see different teaching styles,” said Thompson, 29.

In college, Thompson said she was able to “learn in an entirely different environment with different regulations.”

“Michigan is one of the most forward-thinking states in regard to services with children with disabilities from birth to age 26.”

Her student teaching assignment turned into her first full-time teaching experience in January 2001 when her mentoring teacher in Ann Arbor, Mich., decided to pursue another job.

In 2004, Thompson joined Floyd T. Binns Middle School as a collaborative teacher; she was chosen teacher of the year at FTB last month.

“My amazing co-teachers at Floyd T. Binns and the entire special education department have been an enormous support and daily blessing in my life,” Thompson said. “Teamwork is essential, and (so is) a collaborative team. Together we are able to meet the needs of the children under our care to the best of our abilities.

“I could not do what I do without my co-workers’ dedication to teaching, and I thank God every day that He has brought these special people into my life.”

Thompson holds a master’s of education degree in learning disabilities from George Mason University and a bachelor’s of education in cognitive impairments with a minor in Earth science from Eastern Michigan University.

During her spare time, Thompson enjoys reading, dancing, cooking, scrapbooking, home-improvement projects, gardening and spending time with friends and family.