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Mr. Marshall Thompson, ThompsonM@district279.org
Where did you go to school and what is your previous job experience? I graduated from Princeton High School in 1997. I graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2002. I double-majored in math and linguistics. When did you begin working at Park Center? 2005 What is your teaching philosophy? If you work hard, results will come. If you don’t take responsibility for your own learning, you will not learn. A priority of mine in a math class is to make it fun and useful. People should enjoy math. The problem-solving process is important, whether the skills are directly applicable to your life or not. Why did you choose your profession?
My previous career was in the radio industry, which is very volatile right now because of consolidation. I enjoyed it, but in order to advance in your career you need to move around a lot. Plus, there is no job security.
I find teaching much more rewarding. It’s a more fulfilling job. I try to give students who might have limited resources the tools to succeed. That makes me feel good!
What is your favorite quote?
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."
-Antoine St. Exupery from "The Little Prince"
And I'll add this one, although it's not my favorite:
"In the little world in which children have their existence, whosoever brings them up, there is nothing so finely perceived and so finely felt, as injustice."
-Charles Dickens from "Great Expectations"
In what room(s) can you commonly be found?
134 and 136. TWO ROOMS at the SAME TIME.
Additional Comments(hobbies)?
Tennis, fantasy hockey, and I like lots of different music. I still work in radio occasionally too.
Advice for students going to college?
Have fun! And study. Go to instructors for help. Apply for scholarships. Find something you love to do and do it. And fight THE MAN. He’s holding you down.
Biggest pet peeve?
It has to be the misuse of the words fewer and less. "FEWER" should be used with items you can count discretely. "LESS" should be used with continuous amounts. Examples: “Marissa scored FEWER goals than Alex.” “There is LESS water in the cooler than yesterday.”
It’s weird too…I tend to be a descriptive, not prescriptive linguist – I could care less about who vs. whom!
Sum up your career at Park Center in one word
BLAMMO
If you were required to find a different job than what you are currently doing, what would you choose?
I’d go run a radio station somewhere. Or become an actuary.
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