This week, we’re giving a #SuperSchoolShoutout to Thomas Middle School with sixth grade science teacher Tanner Christy and eighth grader Cali Eppenger-Campbell.

Tanner joined Thomas in 2020, and in her fifth year as an educator, she feels more confident and prepared for each day. “I no longer feel like I have to plan every little second of my day like I did when I first started teaching,” she said. “I can adapt to situations in the room and trust myself to keep students engaged.”

Growing up, Tanner was always playing teacher with her siblings and knew this was her calling. “Helping kids find something they’re successful at is very empowering,” she said. “I want students to race to school because they’re so excited to be here.” 

Tanner loves science because the students’ excitement informs her lessons. “I get to engage the kids interests and make them feel confident,” she said. “A student might struggle in math or writing, but if I can engage them with a science topic they are interested in, they might build those writing or math skills while learning about their subject of interest.”

One of Tanner’s favorite units to teach is Project Lead the Way, which focuses on the principals of engineering. “The district got all of us science teachers CTE certified, so I really lean into the career and tech readiness for students,” she said. “They dig it because they feel connected to the hands-on learning and the tangible skills they develop.”

Tanner loves her professional, respectful and helpful Thomas team and enjoys working with them to support students. “We all lead with compassion as well, which makes a world of difference for our kids,” she said. 

Cali joined Thomas in seventh grade and is savoring every minute of eighth grade before she moves to Texas this summer. “I love this school, the students and being in leadership, so I’m grateful for all the opportunities,” she said.

Cali is a military child and felt immediately connected to her Titan community when she moved here last year. “The most unique thing about this school was the big military presence,” she said. “You just feel at home and the kids are really welcoming by letting you know you’re not alone.”

Before beginning her interview, Cali was picking up trash around Thomas’ field to keep her school clean. This is a role students share in leadership – the class Cali values most at Thomas. “It’s all about helping people and our school,” she said. “To take a little weight off of our teachers’ shoulders, mentor sixth graders and show our peers how to lead the way is the best feeling.”

As part of her role in leadership, Cali creates a podcast called “Between the Bells” where she discusses important topics that affect her peers. “I hope the things I say can touch someone’s heart and make them feel like they’re not alone,” she said. “I really want to discuss our school’s diversity in the future because it’s amazing going here and being around so many different cultures from Kenya to Micronesia.”

Cali loves history class and specifically enjoys learning about Black history to deepen her knowledge about her community and learn how to better uplift them in the future. When she graduates, she hopes to continue exploring her empathy and critical thinking skills by studying neuroscience, psychology or forensics. 

Go Titans!