SR student to attend teaching program
SLIPPERY ROCK — J.R. Thompson's interest in elementary teaching began when he was in elementary school.
Now a sophomore at Slippery Rock High School, Thompson remembers helping his mother with craft projects while he was in fifth grade. Instead of complaining when he was recruited for endless scissor work and other tasks, he enjoyed them.
The assistance made his mother's job easier when she taught younger students at Moraine Elementary School in Prospect.
This summer Thompson will get a jump start on that career in the Summer College Opportunity Program in Education at Pennsylvania State University. Thompson, the adopted son of Dan and Cindy Thompson of Prospect, qualified for the multicultural program because he is biracial and interested in a career in education.
His grades and activities helped ensure he got a place in the program, which is selective, with only about 25 students statewide chosen. Thompson has a more than 3.0 grade point average, plays football and runs track.
The academic program, which runs July 2 to 29, allows participants to earn two college credits by taking classes in English, computers and preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. It is an intensive program where students are required to put in two hours of study outside the classroom per day, according to Thompson.
Meanwhile, Penn State pays all tuition, transportation, book and food costs.
Students also get the experience of living on campus, having a roommate and living away from home.
As the first student from Slippery Rock to attend the program, Thompson said he's not sure what to expect, but is happy to get an early look at Penn State. He's been interested in the school for a few years, especially since an older brother attended there.
Thompson said he's looking forward to touring the football stadium, among other things.
"I'm most excited about meeting new people," he said.
Though Thompson is not positive about teaching elementary school — he likes secondary math too — he knows he's destined to be a teacher.
Tiffany Arblaster, Thompson's former biology teacher, agreed.
"He'd be an excellent teacher," she said. "He's a good communicator and has a good sense of humor."
Arblaster wrote Thompson a recommendation for the program.
"He's determined, motivated and conscientious," she said. "He always had a smile in class."
