By Erica Schneider
Staff Writer
English teacher Laura Thomson fondly recalls sitting with her students as school years past drew to a close, discussing favorite class memories in a circle on the floor of the classroom.
In years to come, no more Costa students shall form these circles, for Thomson is moving to Washington, D.C. to continue her career as a teacher.
“Ms. Thomson is a phenomenal teacher who taught me so much and motivated me to try my best with everything I do. She will be greatly missed by many at Costa,” sophomore Lindsay Weiner said.
Thomson, who has worked at Costa since the fall of 2007, currently teaches English 5-6 CP, 5-6 honors, and AVID.
Thomson grew up in Palos Verdes and attended Peninsula High School. After graduation, she attended Boston University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English.
She had several jobs including: writing for a literary magazine, working for a financial firm, tutoring, and even working as a nanny. However, none of these jobs provided the fulfillment Thomson was looking for in a career.
“I made a special connection with my freshman English teacher. She was the first person who saw me for who I was. Years later, it was almost as if the light went on and I realized I was meant to be an English teacher,” Thomson said.
In addition to teaching English, Thomson also is involved in Costa’s AVID program. Through AVID, she says she was able to make a strong connection with her students and other AVID teachers. Thomson says she enjoyed the new challenge and found that it provided a nice balance with her other classes.
“Ms. Thomson is a creative, spirited, congenial teacher and colleague. I learn from her every day. I laugh with her every day, and I know the same goes for her students,” English teacher Wendy Thorton said.
Teachers said they will miss Thomson and her wonderful teaching style.
“While Costa is losing a treasure, D.C. is gaining another national treasure. She brings positive energy wherever she goes, and I am going to miss her more than I can say,” Thornton said.
Thomson is moving because her husband has accepted a position working for the Department of Defense Office of Public Affairs.
Thomsn plans to continue her career as an English teacher or work elsewhere in the educational field. Because she attended college on the east coast and lived there for a short time as a child, she says she is looking forward to seeing old friends and family who live there.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to experience urban life and the seasons again. I’m also looking forward to being around the energetic, young, passionate people that live in D.C.,” Thomson said.
According to Thomson, what she will miss most about Costa is her students. She said she particularly enjoys teaching juniors because she loves watching them transform into successful seniors and eventually go off to different colleges.
Thomson said she also feels extremely fortunate to have been a part of the supportive English Department at Costa and will miss her colleagues and students tremendously.
“I will miss my students enormously. They mean so much to me and I’m sad to leave Costa, but I feel grateful that everyone has been so supportive about my leave,” Thomson said.
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