Clayton Ridge fills principal position
Terri Thompson of Guttenberg has been hired as the Clayton Ridge Middle and High School Principal.
By Caroline Rosacker
Guttenberg native Terri Thompson has been hired as the Clayton Ridge Middle and High School Principal.
Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from William Penn University, Oskaloska. “I was recruited to play basketball at William Penn,” Thompson commented.
The educator taught fifth and sixth grade special education in Albia, before deciding to pursue her Master of Arts in Teaching from Morningside University, Sioux City.
She transitioned to Starmont and taught fourth and fifth grade special education, before taking a position at Keystone AEA in Elkader as a special education consultant. During that time she enrolled in the Iowa Principal Leadership Academy and became a certified principal.
She is currently enrolled at Drake University finishing up her PhD in education. “I just like to challenge myself and learn new things,” she explained. “It is impossible to know everything. I originally pursued teaching because of the teachers I had at Clayton Ridge. I am in a role now where I can encourage and inspire change.”
Thompson is grateful for the high quality education she received as a student at Clayton Ridge. “This is more than just a job because of what Clayton Ridge gave to me,” said Thompson. “It is an opportunity to give back all I have received here in my education. I was surprised by the opening, but ever since I obtained my teaching degree I was looking for jobs here at Clayton Ridge.”
Thompson will be overseeing some of the teachers who taught her. “When I was a special education consultant I was assigned here, so I am familiar with the staff,” she noted. “My top priority is to connect with the students, learn their names, build relationships with students, parents and staff, and be in the classroom as much as possible. “
Thompson has spent the past nine-and-a-half years educating herself for her new role, leaving her very little time to pursue hobbies. “I read a lot – primarily research, and try to help out on my parents' farm when I am able” she said with a smile. “I recently adopted a dog – a rat terrier and enjoy walking 'Luna' on the river walk. It’s great to be living back in Guttenberg.”
