Laurel Thompson
Position: Retiring Director of Student Services
School: Broward County Public Schools
School District: Broward County Public Schools
City, State: Ft Lauderdale, FL
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Dr. Laurel Thompson was nominated by her colleague, Judy Bremner.
Dr. Thompson is an innovative, forward-thinking leader within the field of social work and education. Her leadership skills and commitment to excellence are unsurpassed. Dr. Thompson continues to be a leader who ensures that the student services department of Broward County Public Schools truly embodies the tag line of the department, "Help Starts Here." She helps maintain an open, responsive ear to the community and is ready to provide targeted responsive services to holistically support students success.
Dr. Thompson is a 31 year veteran of BCPS. She has served on all levels as a school social worker, including Team Leader, Leader for the Teen Parent Program, and Director of Student Support Services and Recovery. She has secured millions of dollars of funding for her school district to ensure that all students in the community are afforded a high quality education. Dr. Thompson has had 280 staff under her supervision, and she uses a family approach to business that emphasizes trust and values. She promotes student academic achievement by removing social and emotional barriers to success and displays the utmost integrity in her leadership style. Her favorite quote is “I have no greater joy than to see my children walk in faith."
Dr. Thompson,
You may be bidding us farewell but to us, you are leaving a legacy. Thank you for being a great leader and for bringing so much wonderful memories, joy and dedication. I treasure your support, compassion, and believing in my abilities.
I wish you a wonderful and healthy future with lots of time to enjoy with your family, friends, and hobbies.
I have known Dr. Thompson for 20 years, both in the capacity of a colleague and supervisor. Dr. Thompson is a true school social worker at heart. Even as a director, she always operates from the angle of what we can do to help students and families. She is the consummate professional and carries herself with such grace and confidence that is evident as soon as she walks into a room. She has taken our program and department to heights that are unparalleled and is well known as a leader in the field of school social work locally, throughout the state and nationally. She has been a true role model and mentor to me, both personally and professionally and I am truly fortunate to have worked with her and had her as a boss. I will miss her dearly, but will always have her in my heart, along with the wisdom and teachings she has bestowed upon me and our entire leadership team.
Dr. Thompson exemplifies the true character of a social worker. During her career she has advocated for clients as well as for the profession of social work. As Director of Student Services, Dr. Thompson has led the charge for the increased presence of social work services in district schools. She has courageously directed the department to an unparalleled growth and managed to bring in candidates of the highest caliber. She has been active in advocating social work services on both a local and national level, actively participating in professional associations. Dr. Thompson is a model of integrity and ethical behavior. It has been a privilege to work under her direction.
Dr. Thompson is a courageous leader and passionate about the field of social work. She values the work of social workers and understands the necessity for each school to have a full-time social worker on board. Dr. Thompson has been aspiring toward that goal since she began her journey as the Director of Student Services. She is truly committed to the students and families served by Broward County Public Schools. It has been a privilege to have her as my leader for the past 3 years. Dr. Thompson's encouraging attitude, professionalism and dedication to her work are an inspiration.
I have known Dr. Thompson for 20 years, both in the capacity of a colleague and supervisor. Dr. Thompson is a true school social worker at heart. Even as a director, she always operates from the angle of what we can do to help students and families. She is the consummate professional and carries herself with such grace and confidence that is evident as soon as she walks into a room. She has taken our program and department to heights that are unparalleled and is well known as a leader in the field of school social work locally, throughout the state and nationally. She has been a true role model and mentor to me, both personally and professionally and I am truly fortunate to have worked with her and had her as a boss. I will miss her dearly, but will always have her in my heart, along with the wisdom and teachings she has bestowed upon me and our entire leadership team.
Dr. Thompson has the natural compass for the leader she is today. In all her awesomeness, she is a very sweet, kind, and caring person. Never leaving her ability to be compassionate towards people when they need it most. Dr. Thompson in all her years of unparalleled experience has led the Student Services Department with her knowledge in all aspects of it. I will miss you! Keep being you being awesome in all that you do!
Dr.Thompson has led the student services department with integrity and fairness. Dr. Thompson has advocated strongly for School Social Work Services/ Student Services Dept. She has aligned our department goals with district mandates along with smart goals established by the superintendent's office. Under her leadership, our department has grown by over 30 percent in staff augmentation. Moreover, she highlighted the increased need for mental health services in our school district and convinced community and district stakeholders to increase the demand for school social work services and family counseling services. Dr. Thompson, I will miss you, I will miss the many stories you have shared with me (even those stories from when we were office mates), I will miss your happiness (dancing in our meetings and encouraging us to do the same). Most of all, I will miss your integrity and fairness....always. May our God embrace you in His strong but gentle arms as you enter this new phase of your career and life. Your social work gentleness was always present....even as a leader your kindness and genuine was always present. Thank YOU for being a model leader! Take CARE!
Dr. Thompson is a phenomenal leader who inspires anyone who has the pleasure of working with her. My favorite quote from her is to always be Visible, Viable and Valuable!!! Her leadership embodies this quote! I will miss her!
Dr.Thompson has led the student services department with integrity and fairness. Dr. Thompson has advocated strongly for School Social Work Services/ Student Services Dept. She has aligned our department goals with district mandates along with smart goals established by the superintendent's office. Under her leadership, our department has grown by over 30 percent in staff augmentation. Moreover, she highlighted the increased need for mental health services in our school district and convinced community and district stakeholders to increase the demand for school social work services and family counseling services. Dr. Thompson, I will miss you, I will miss the many stories you have shared with me (even those stories from when we were office mates), I will miss your happiness (dancing in our meetings and encouraging us to do the same). Most of all, I will miss your integrity and fairness....always. May our God embrace you in His strong but gentle arms as you enter this new phase of your career and life. Your social work gentleness was always present....even as a leader your kindness and genuine was always present. Thank YOU for being a model leader! Take CARE!
Dr. Thompson is a phenomenal leader who inspires anyone who has the pleasure of working with her. My favorite quote from her is to always be Visible, Viable and Valuable!!! Her leadership embodies this quote! I will miss her!
I have known Dr. Thompson for 20 years, both in the capacity of a colleague and supervisor. Dr. Thompson is a true school social worker at heart. Even as a director, she always operates from the angle of what we can do to help students and families. She is the consummate professional and carries herself with such grace and confidence that is evident as soon as she walks into a room. She has taken our program and department to heights that are unparalleled and is well known as a leader in the field of school social work locally, throughout the state and nationally. She has been a true role model and mentor to me, both personally and professionally and I am truly fortunate to have worked with her and had her as a boss. I will miss her dearly, but will always have her in my heart, along with the wisdom and teachings she has bestowed upon me and our entire leadership team.
Dr. Thompson encompasses a true representation of a well-rounded professional, social worker, leader, advocate, role model, and an inspiration to all. While achieving much success throughout her career with Broward County Public Schools, Dr. Thompson leads with a giving and humble heart. She remembers everyone and takes her time in getting to know those around her. I can say that I am blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from such a talented person and hope to assist in continuing her legacy of hard work, integrity, and commitment to the field of Social Work.
The first time I met Dr. Thompson her personality made me feel very comfortable to be myself. Her fun and personable attitude lights up the room every time!
Dr. Laurel Thompson is an scholar in the Education and Social Work field. She has been devoted in the design of an unique delivery of support services for students/ parents and the formation rounded clinical school social workers in BCPS. Dr. Laurel Thompson has implemented a comprenhensive vision and practice for school social workers to deliver quality educational and support services to every student /parents. Her goal has been that our students perform at their maximum potential educationally and social emotionally and to become ready to graduate and fulfill their dreams. To make this possible for Dr. Laurel Thompson has framed the practice of us as school social workers, within the creation of a variety of initiatives within BCPS and also fostering collaboration with community agencies, All this is working on behalf of our students. Furthermore, Dr. Laurel Thompson has provided to us the skills necessary to fullfill this comprehensive role, which does not exist in other public neither private educational systems in our Nation, The creation and practice of this relevant and successful model should be researched and share with other public educational public systems in our Nation. Thank you Dr. Laurel Thompson for the beautiful gift that you have given to our noble and precious profession of social work and especifically to the students parents, and community of Broward. Love, Lucia
Dr. Thompson is truly an Amazing and Phenomenal woman. She is a woman of great integrity, ethnics, morals and faith. I admire her achievements and talents. She has incorporated a leadership style of wisdom, professionalism, hard work, dedication and respect in the Student Services Department. Dr. Thompson's contribution has significantly impacted the growth of our School Social Work Department. Thanks to Dr. Thompson's support, guidance and leadership, we are over 160 School Social Workers Strong.
Dr. Thompson has left a legacy of excellence and success for current and future social workers and staff. Dr. Thompson will be genuinely missed. I wish her peace, happiness, love and joy in her retirement and next venture in life. Dr. Thompson, You are Appreciated!!!!
Sincerely,
your colleague and retiree in training,
Antoinette Doughty
Dear Dr. Thompson,
There is no doubt that, I will never forget you. I like the dedication and passion you put into what you do. Your leadership style inspires anyone, who had the chance to interact with you to be a leader. A great one, and a true one. Thank you for inspiring me to keep going, to keep doing what I love the most, empowering my community, starting with the most vulnerable. I will surely miss you. Thank you for all these long years you have invested in those children and in us, who have had the opportunity to be coached by you. Your life, is a testimony that, working in education is a calling, not a job.
Thank you, I will always remember you, as a great leader.
Marie I. Coriolan-Vilus
I have known Dr. Laurel Thompson as a colleague and friend since we meet in 1996 at the Florida Association of School Social Workers state conference. I became an employee of Broward County Public Schools in 2015, and observed Dr. Thompson execution of her duties in an innovative manner. She is a lifelong learner and as such is willing to embrace new opportunities for advancement. Challenges are seen as growth opportunities. Dr. Thompson’s leadership style is one of a host, as such when you enter her space she treats you better than she would treat herself. Dr. Thompson is a facilitative leader and mentor, working with her has been a growth experience.
The first time I was introduced to Dr. Thompson, her spirit, energy and passion radiated before she verbalized anything. Dr. Thompson's optimism, keen insight and fortitude is in every supportive word, kind gesture, staff vision, and overall decision making as it relates to the delivery of support services for students, staff and the community. I admire Dr. Thompson's gift to make even the most daunting or undesirable tasks peak your interest.
Dr. Thompson's career span includes school social worker, team Leader, and Director of Student Support Services and Recovery. Dr. Thompson's wealth of experience and tireless efforts has worked to continuously secure millions of dollars of funding for her school district. One of Dr. Thompson's mottoes, "If we want peace, we MUST authentically practice JUSTICE!" Are words that she champions by as she not only advocates for equal opportunity for all but encourages others to not be silent when it comes to social injustice, inequity and the like.
I will definitely miss Dr. Thompson's encouragement to staff to practice mental wellness, through relaxation strategies such as mindfulness, dancing, laughing and spending time with loved ones.
Words can’t express or describe the work, effort, and sacrifices that Dr. Thompson has done within her years at Broward Schools. Her courageous spirit and unwavering actions has impacted the students and families of Broward tremendously.
I am so grateful for Dr. Thompson! I am here working as a school social worker since February 2009 for the school board because Dr. Thompson. She inspired me to work for the School Board and when I was an intern in 2007-2008. I was also surplus 2-3 and she fought every single time to bring me back to Student Services.
I have the privilege of working under the leadership of Dr. Thompson. She taught my former classmates, colleagues, and myself what it truly means to be a phenomenal social worker and leader. She always reminds us we are V cubed, which means we are Visible in schools and the community; we are Viable in that we truly changed many lives--and generations--in positive ways; and lastly, we demonstrated that we are Valuable, as demonstrated by our work during the COVID Pandemic!
I am going to miss Dr. Thompson dearly. Hearing her annual speech at the social work conference has always rejuvenates when I am feeling tired before Spring Break. I hope we are blessed with someone who truly advocates and work arduously as Dr. Thomson has.
Thank you and we Love you so much Dr. Thompson!!!
Dr. Thompson has been a great leader and advocate for staff, students, and the community as a whole. She fought for what she believed in, showed incredible conviction, and always led by example. She will be missed and impossible to replace.
What can I say that hasn't already been said... Dr. Thompson is an amazing colleague, mentor, and friend. She is empowering and full of knowledge. She deserves all of the recognition in the world for her amazing work with students and staff alike.
Working with Dr. Thompson since December 2016 has been an incredible learning experience. In the field of education, the school social worker is the mental health professional who is trained to enter a crisis situation and help manage hurting families and staff, resources, and external stakeholders. In just over 3 years, Dr. Thompson helped our community by directing resources for Hurricane Irma and the aftermath, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy and recovery 2018, Hurricane Dorian, and the transition to distance learning related to COVID-19 (a worldwide pandemic). Our community is in a better position today because of the compassionate decisions and leadership exemplified by Dr. Laurel. E. Thompson. Her presence will be missed, but her legacy will continue.