September Staff Spotlight: Lisa Thomas Grove Middle School
Grove Public Schools is proud to recognize Mrs. Lisa Thomas, Journalism and Yearbook teacher at Grove Middle School, as the September Staff Member of the Month! With a passion for creativity, storytelling, and helping students discover their talents, Thomas brings learning to life in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether she is capturing special moments at a school event, helping students publish the monthly newspaper, or taking her classes on real-world learning adventures, she is dedicated to helping students find their voices and discover what they are capable of achieving.
Thomas has been part of Grove Public Schools for 14 years and is now in her fourth year teaching Journalism and Yearbook at GMS. Teaching has always been a dream of hers, along with working in advertising and marketing. Her current role allows her to combine both passions, giving students opportunities to explore communication, creativity, and the many ways stories can be shared.
GMS Principal Mindy Collins praises Thomas for bringing creativity and real-world experiences into her Journalism 1, Journalism 2, and Yearbook classes. Students develop photography, writing, and interviewing skills before putting them into practice by producing the school's monthly newspaper, The Ridgy Press. Thomas also organizes school pictures, writes grants to secure additional resources for her programs, and can often be found at GMS events with her camera in hand, capturing memories for the yearbook and cheering on students.
Her commitment to learning extends beyond her students. Thomas continually seeks professional development in areas such as broadcast journalism and artificial intelligence in the classroom, bringing new ideas and opportunities back to GMS.
One of the most exciting parts of her classes is giving students the chance to experience journalism firsthand. Thomas takes students to local court hearings to observe courtroom proceedings and visits the KSN news station in Joplin, Missouri, where they can see the news reporting process in action. These experiences help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real careers and opportunities in the world around them.
When asked what she hopes students take away from their time in her classes, Thomas explained that she wants them to discover abilities they may not even realize they have.
“I hope they find skills they didn't know they had. A lot of kids think that all they will do in journalism is write, but it's so much more than that. I want them to find out all that journalism has to offer other than the writing part, even though that is important also. I want them to branch out and try new things and learn the process of telling stories.”
For Thomas, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is watching a student discover a talent or interest that changes their outlook. She recalls a student who initially struggled to connect with the class and often had difficulty engaging in the lessons. When the class began studying photography, however, something clicked. The student became interested, opened up, began connecting with others, and demonstrated creativity and skill that Thomas had not seen before. Discovering something the student genuinely enjoyed changed the student's demeanor and attitude toward learning.
That experience is a powerful reminder of why providing students with opportunities to explore different interests matters. Sometimes, all it takes is the right lesson or a chance to try something new for a student to discover a strength they never knew they had.
Thomas also appreciates the support and encouragement she finds within the Ridgerunner family. When asked what being part of that family means to her, she shared how much she values having colleagues she can turn to for help, advice, and encouragement.
“It's nice knowing I have a great group of people that will help when I need it. I have lots of support here, tips, encouragement. It's a big family, and I love working here at GMS. There are many teachers here I aspire to be like. They have high expectations and challenge you to reach them.”
That same spirit of encouragement carries into the advice she offers students who may be struggling or having a difficult day. Thomas encourages them to seek out a trusted teacher for help and guidance, while also remembering the good things in their lives.
“I would tell them to go to a teacher you feel comfortable with to get help and advice. I would tell them to focus on the good things and your blessings, and how that alone will make your day better.”
Outside the classroom, Thomas enjoys spending time with her family, especially when they gather to play games. She admits those game nights can get pretty rowdy! She also loves being at the lake with her family, kayaking, and watching movies. In addition to her family time, Thomas is actively involved in her church and is currently helping organize a mystery dinner event.
Through her creativity, dedication, and willingness to help students explore new possibilities, Thomas is making a lasting impact at Grove Middle School. She teaches students not only how to write, photograph, interview, and tell stories, but also how to recognize their own potential and find confidence in their abilities.
As Principal Collins shared, “Thank you, Mrs. Thomas, for helping students find their voices and tell the stories of GMS!”
Congratulations to Mrs. Lisa Thomas, our September Staff Member of the Month at Grove Middle School! We Are Grove, The District of Champions!