BTS Arts Teacher Spotlight- Jaclyn Thompson

Jaclyn’s long time love of music has propelled her to be one of our exceptional educators in Southern Utah. Through her elementary, middle and high school years, she developed confidence and expertise in music and voice. Ms. Thompson encourages her students to use song and rhythm to study languages, geography and science. Under her leadership they’ve presented music programs focused on the world’s continents, ocean life, and the history of the French lullaby, Frère Jaques.

One of Ms. Thompson’s most memorable lessons was taught during the first year back in-person after school closures in 2020. Using an emotion wheel to assist students in identifying how they were feeling, they then listened to various types of music and labeled how they felt during the song. This activity helped illustrate that music can be used as a tool to navigate difficult and complex emotions.

One of our favorite observations was watching Ms. Thompson sing each student’s name as they exited the music classroom. She hopes to inspire students to use music to achieve empathy, kindness and self-confidence, just as she did.

We are so grateful for educators like you Ms. Thompson!