Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2019 | Page 13

T HE ART
O F TEACH I N G
ince 2002, Jodi Thomas has been a permanent
installation in the arts department at Thornton
Academy. She can most often be found in the
classrooms and halls of the arts wing, offering her
students support and encouragement as they experiment
and grow through painting, drawing, printmaking,
ceramics, and photography. It comes as no surprise that she
was recognized twice last year for her well-crafted lessons
and deep care for each student. In fact, some might say she
exemplifies the art of teaching by paying close attention to
the intricacies of each students experience, and offering
meaningful ways for them to express themselves.
S
In April, Jodi accepted the title of 2019 Art Educator of
the Year at the Maine Art Educator Association’s (MAEA)
Annual Conference in Belfast, Maine. The MAEA is a
state-wide association whose members are dedicated to
excellence in visual art education. Their Hall of Fame
honors educators who “display the highest quality instruction
in visual arts programs…
and provide breadth and
depth of experience to
meet the varied needs of
students.”
Less than a month later,
Jodi received another
award, this time from
the Maine Education
Association (MEA).
She was presented with
the MEA’s Award for
Teaching Excellence
and will travel to
Jodi celebrates being named
MEA’s Art Educator of the Year
with her husband & son, Jon
Sylvester & Henry Sylvester ’19
Washington, D.C. in February of 2020 to represent Maine at
the National Education Association’s Foundation Gala.
Carol Taranko, Senior Director for School Administration,
supports her colleague in the classroom through TA’s
Observation, Support, Evaluation, and Feedback (OSEF)
protocol. Taranko, who observes classes and provides
support to improve the student experience, describes Jodi as
a teacher who cares deeply about the success of all students.
“She considers the holistic experience of her learners, and
equally celebrates artistic accomplishments in conjunction
with personal milestones.”
Megan Bainbridge ’19 agrees. She spent three years as
Jodi’s student, including a year enrolled in AP Studio
Art: the most advanced class offered in the school’s art
curriculum. The class requires the preparation of a portfolio
of original work that is submitted to the College Board for
feedback and scoring. Bainbridge appreciated her teacher’s
style of instruction and willingness to help. “She allows
students space to grow as individuals and to become more
independent. I think this is the most notable aspect of the
class environment she creates—students are comfortable
enough to express creativity, while still understanding the
effort it takes to succeed.”
Luckily for Thornton Academy, Jodi will continue to craft
class experiences that inspire and engage. Her work as an
artist includes the composition of her legacy—an offering
that will benefit her students and the school community for
a long time to come.
Story by Katy Nicketakis & Katie Beane · Photos Courtesy of Katy Nicketakis & Jodi Thomas
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