Thompson began his 25-year career in education as a teacher in the New York City public school system. In New York, he taught middle school-aged students who had been retained multiple times. He recognized that his students’ academic success was built upon a foundation of mutual respect they had with him. After being a classroom teacher for nine years, Thompson became an administrator and has held various roles in elementary, middle, and high schools. 
 
Prior to starting in Lawrence, Thompson has also been serving as a consultant with Collaborative Equity Solutions and CREED Strategies. In these roles, Thompson has provided professional development and assistance to school districts in identi xfying ways to rid their systems of disproportionality and bias. His efforts have revolved around creating environments where all students are able to succeed.  
 
A quote by Ron Edmonds that Thompson frequently refers to states, “We can, whenever and wherever we choose, successfully teach all children whose schooling is of interest to us. We already know more than we need, to do that. Whether or not we do it must finally depend on how we feel about the fact that we haven’t so far.” Additionally, Thompson is reminded of his dedication to education by the quote, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on Earth,” from Muhammad Ali. Thompson recognizes that students vary in their dependence on schools and enjoys working with all students along the school-dependency continuum.  
 
Thompson earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Hampton University in Virginia and a master’s degree in urban education with a specialization in administration and supervision from New Jersey City University. He resides in northern New Jersey with his family and is proud of his two children.