"I constantly seek innovative strategies to help children achieve their full potential," says Judith Thompson, principal of Bramlett Elementary School in Oxford. Under Ms. Thompson's leadership, Bramlett Elementary School has implemented "Nifty Fifty," a literacy program for students who have read 50 books and completed 50 book reports. Students' achievements are celebrated with activities and festivities featuring themes, costumes and music from the 1950s. In an effort to provide students with additional academic assistance, Ms. Thompson has approached area institutions to supplement the programs already in effect at the school. National Honor Society high school students, parents and churches are all participants in this community-based academic support system she has developed. Ms. Thompson's extensive involvement with educational research at the University of Mississippi has allowed her to pilot new programs, work on curriculum development and facilitate and present workshops on professionalism.
1999 University of Mississippi, Ed.D.
