Derek Thomas
@derekjathomas
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H.B. Plant High School. Tampa. English Instructor. Pre-AP National Faculty. Reader. Lover of Literature. Father. Husband. Education Activist & Enthusiast.
Tampa
Joined June 2011
Delicious Air-Dried Instant Noodles 🍜 No artificial ingredients ❌ Add to your weeknight staples & order now while you still can!
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As we prepare to take our youngest son up to begin his college journey at @Swarthmore next week, it’s confirmed for me that the best part of parenting is watching him spread his wings and grow into who he wants to be. Simultaneously, Its also the saddest part of being a parent.
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How’s this for inspiration: Chatting with new students the first day and one of them says to me (with all the confidence and passion a 17 year old can muster) - “I’ve waited three years to finally get you as a teacher. Don’t disappoint me.” #ItsAnHonor #WhatWeDoMatters
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If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got! #GreatTeachersGrow. It’s a new school year. Pledge to do something differently with your students. Strive for new results. They may actually be better!
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It is absolutely possible to make an ordinary person feel extraordinary. And that is the job of a great teacher. #BackToSchool2023
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As we begin the school year, it’s worth noting that perhaps the hardest thing about being an effective teacher is the constant need to choose “doing what’s right” over “doing what’s easy.” It just matters every single time.
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I just continue to realize - more and more each year, that the most essential things we can offer our students are opportunities to open their hearts and minds. The key to a successful, fulfilling life is the ability to understand and empathize. Let’s find ways to show students!
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Learning simply does not occur when the learner does not feel valued. We have to find ways to make each student feel valued in our classroom FIRST. Then we can worry about curriculum, teaching strategies, & the rest of what makes the magic happen. Pave the way for learning first.
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Something I’m really trying to focus on going into this new school year is that not all young people peak in high school & that’s a very good thing. Just because a kid struggles in class doesn’t mean she isn’t a brilliant person who will lead a productive and valuable adult life.
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Kids learn more from teachers who smile so let’s greet them with a smile & call them by name. Kids learn more from teachers who connect so let’s get to know them & what makes them unique. Kids learn more from teachers who encourage so let’s lift them up & notice their strengths
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School is about to begin again. As a teacher, I will rarely - if ever - remember the grades a student earned in my class. What I will remember is attitude, effort, determination, and kindness. Especially kindness. And thus, I’ll be serving kindness in return. #kindnessmatters
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Yes it’s a challenge to be a teacher in FL right now, BUT I will continue to try every day to be a good teacher & use my voice to raise awareness, my words to inspire, my passion to ignite, and my pulpit to make students better human beings. That was, and continues to be, my job.
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It's that time of year!!! #WarOnHimes! 🥍🔥🔦⚠️@PlantHighSchool vs @TampaJesuit at 7 PM @ University of Tampa (@TampaMLax) Wear Black ⬛️🏴🐈⬛🖤! @tampalaxreport @FloridaLX
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Nothing says 💝💕😍🥰😻 like taking a date to watch @PlantHighSchool 🥍 at @SicklesHigh on Valentine's Day! #seasonopener @tampalaxreport @FloridaLX @PlantHighSports @ToddFrancis37
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We are so proud of Nate and so thankful to the coaches @SwatMLacrosse for giving him this opportunity. Thanks to everyone who took part in his journey.
I’m excited to announce my commitment to Swarthmore College! I’d like to thank my friends, family, and coaches for helping me get here. #gogarnet @SwatMLacrosse @PlantLacrosse
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Three legends right here. Proud to have had an opportunity to work with all of them. Congrats Kimi Hellenberg.
This lady in the middle …. Ms. Kimi Hellenberg…. Is our new PRINCIPAL AT PLANT HIGH SCHOOL. Thank you Mr. Nelson and Mr. Bush for your leadership. Thank you Ms. Hellenberg for carrying the torch. The P is in FANTASTIC hands. Let’s go!! ❤️🏆
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If every person you speak with agrees with everything you say or think, your capacity to learn won't be challenged. It's when we have diverging thoughts, perspectives and experiences that capacity can be stretched. Seek out opportunities to be pushed.
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This! If you’re an educator and want an opportunity to work when the best of the best, here’s your chance.
Pre-AP National Faculty Spotlight: "Just do it! You'll thank me later. Being a part of Pre-AP National Faculty has allowed me to meet & share with amazing educators." - Christine Petrou, Pre-AP Algebra 1 Find out how you can join Pre-AP National Faculty: https://t.co/Vbz82RhCQX
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Let’s go!
We’re proud to announce the 2022 Plant Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team. Congratulations on the hard work and good luck this season! #alwaysapanther 💪🇺🇸🥍 @tampalaxreport @FloridaLX
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