When Linda Thomson was in college, she was one of two female math majors. While the other math major went to IBM after graduation, Thomson’s mother encouraged her to go into teaching. Thomson hasn’t looked back since.
"Once I did my student teaching as part of my college program, I realized that I loved teaching," Thomson said.
Linda L. Thomson, Ed.D., has been in the education field for 25 years, both as a math teacher and school administrator. She became Fairfax High School's new principal last October, after serving as assistant principal at Herndon High School for five years. She previously taught math at Robinson High School for 16 years.
"This is a really nice place to work," Thomson said. "I feel very lucky to be here."
Thomson came to Fairfax County 22 years ago with her husband, and they decided to stay because they loved the area so much. Her husband works at Herndon High’s special education office, and her two grown children, both of whom graduated from Robinson, live in Atlanta and West Palm Beach.
"I think having children of my own … helps me understand all the pressures and emotions that they’re feeling, pressures and emotions that parents and students are dealing with. It helps me do a better job," Thomson said.
Although still new, Thomson is already working with teachers and parents on next year’s goals. One goal is to utilize technology to facilitate communication between parents and to make students more tech-savvy. Fairfax intends for each student to have a file on the network, which will allow students to save reports at school. Thomson would also like for teachers to post assignments on blackboard.com, as well as increase communication between parents and the school through e-mail groups.
"Students need those technology skills … and some of our students don’t have computers at home," Thomson said.
Another goal is to work on the guidelines set forth by the No Child Left Behind Act. The federal guidelines are directed to increase student achievement in four subgroups: students on free and reduced lunch, those with limited English proficiency, special-education students and minority students. If a school receives a failing grade two years in a row, parents will have the option to send their children to another school or ask for tutoring, at the county’s expense.
If there are any challenges that Fairfax faces, it’s finding funding for all the initiatives they’d like to do, Thomson said. Another challenge is fulfilling the No Child Left Behind guidelines.
"We’re doing a lot to see that we don’t have any children left behind," Thomson said.
While Thomson is working on the No Child Left Behind guidelines, parents are impressed by her willingness.
"We’re thrilled that she’s here," said Fairfax’s PTSA president Chris Thompson. "To jump right in at the middle of the school year is a big challenge. And she jumped right in."
When Thomson isn’t at the principal’s desk, she likes to read, make crafts and go to Fairfax’s sporting events. She’s also an avid Clemson Tigers fan.
"It’s really a cross-section of America. We have all groups here. What I find here is that they all get along very well together," said Thomson, of Fairfax students. "They’re courteous. Just very nice young people. It’s a pleasure working with them."