The 2009 Thompson Award

Joe Doane and Nancy Thompson - click on photo to see more in our galleryThe Thompson Award is given annually to the teacher who serves as a special mentor to our children, often going beyond the norm to reach out and give guidance and support.

This year’s choice has a remarkable ability of being a mentor to not only his own students, but to many whom never sit within his classroom walls.  He pushes kids, and offers them a taste of real-world experience to learn from, cheering them on through failure and success.  He rewards them too, with respect, honesty, high-expectations, and the occasional pizza.  Perhaps it is this quality that makes him one of the most coveted teachers on a student’s wish list, but there is much more to him that make parents feel the same.

Joe Doane was nominated by multiple community members, parents of children who are as different as the ways that Joe taps into their learning strengths.  He was sited as “a great role model,” a “good and conscientious citizen” and someone who “teachers the whole kid, not just the subject.”  More than one submission mentioned the emphasis that Joe places on respect, both inside the classroom and out, as well as his interest in helping children to develop strong character.  Perhaps the most telling component of Joe’s mentoring prowess is that all of this important and heady character-building is the last thing on kids’ minds while they’re enjoying Joe’s teaching.  They respond to his straight talk, learn to expect more from themselves, and enjoy rewards like pizza parties and swim escapes along the way.

Tim & Nancy Thompson, Joe Doane, Christine MackenzieWe are proud to honor these special teachers, wonderful representatives of our phenomenal teaching & support staff in the Cape Elizabeth Schools.   To see more photos from the award presentation, please visit our gallery.