MSM’s Thompson forms students in skills, faith

At one point this year, Jessica Thompson had her four Mount Saint Mary robotics teams all ranked in the top 10 in their league.

As for Thompson, she ranks No. 1, recognized as 2025 Educator of the Year at the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma Saints and Scholars Dinner in late January.

Also recognized were April Carrillo, Support Staff of the Year honoree from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Edmond and Stefanie Wade, Volunteer of the Year honoree from Christ the King Catholic School in Oklahoma City.

In her fourth year teaching science at Mount Saint Mary, Thompson’s classes include anatomy and forensics robotics. And her teaching extends beyond lessons and assignments.

“As an educator, I believe the most lasting impact I can have on students is not only teaching them content but equipping them with the skills, confidence and vision to see themselves as capable innovators and leaders,” Thompson said.

“In my classroom, I focus on three core areas: authentic use of technology, student choice and collaborative inclusivity. Together, these create a learning environment where students are empowered to grow both academically and personally.”

Within the walls of The Mount, people are noticing, all the way to the top.

“I have witnessed firsthand her remarkable dedication, not only to the academic formation of students, but also to their faith development and growth as young men and women of integrity,” said Laura Cain, MSM principal.

“Mrs. Thompson embodies the mission of Catholic education in every aspect of her vocation. In the classroom, she cultivates an environment where curiosity, rigor and critical thinking are nurtured through innovative science and engineering instruction. Beyond technical knowledge, she consistently emphasizes the interconnectedness of faith and reason, showing students that the pursuit of scientific truth is in harmony with their Catholic identity.”

Through the use of cutting-edge software, Thompson’s students engage in authentic, hands-on experiences that mirror real-world engineering practices. Rather than simply learning theory, they design custom robot parts, build on their ideas and see their designs come to fruition.

“This fosters higher-order thinking skills, resilience and problem-solving that extend well beyond robotics,” Thompson said. “Students learn that failure is not an endpoint but a critical step in innovation.”

Thompson also values allowing students the freedom to design and build their robot based on the unique FTC challenge presented each year. The goal: encouraging creativity, ownership and intrinsic motivation.
And, equally important she said, is creating a collaborative and inclusive classroom culture by intentionally pairing students of varying experience levels and encouraging peer mentorship, with an eye on ensuring that every student feels their contributions are valued.

Surrounding it all: Christ.

“As an educator, Mrs. Thompson goes beyond lesson plans and lab projects to form students as disciples and leaders,” Cain said. “She models Gospel truths and Mercy values helping students see their gifts as a call to serve the world.

“Whether mentoring students on robotics projects, guiding them in community service endeavors or encouraging them through life’s challenges, Mrs. Thompson reflects the heart of a Catholic educator: to see each student as a unique child of God, made for more.”

John Helsley is the editor of the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: (L to R) Jessica Thompson, Educator of the Year, Mount St. Mary Catholic School, Oklahoma City; April Carrillo, Support Staff of the Year, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Edmond; Stefanie Wade, Volunteer of the Year, Christ the King Catholic School, Oklahoma City; Becca David, interim director, Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma. Photo Chris Porter.