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K-State Today

April 12, 2017

Family and consumer science faculty recognized with KATFACS Teacher of the Year Award

Submitted by Anne Rubash

David Thompson

David Thompson, teaching associate professor in the School of Family Studies and Human Services, has been named the Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences, or KATFACS. He will be recognized at the association's annual conference at the end of July and will be a contender for Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Kansas Association of Career and Technical Educators. 

This award specifically recognizes Thompson's passion for teaching. Among the courses he has taught at K-State are human sexuality, family relationships and gender roles, and mediation and conflict resolution. A constant goal of Thompson's in his instruction is to establish the relevance of the subjects he is teaching. He finds that this increases student engagement and information retention.

Those who work with Thompson will note his encompassing dedication to students. He wants to send them into the world not only full of knowledge but equipped with skills they can apply to better themselves and their surroundings. 

"Dr. Thompson is passionate about influencing his students," said Dorothy Durband, director of the School of Family Studies and Human Services. "He has an ability to engage his students' learning and understanding of how his courses matter in their personal and professional lives."

One of his strengths with students is how he encourages them to find what they are passionate about and utilize their passion to discover potential careers. Many students have credited Thompson as the guiding force behind their future plans due to the care he takes with many students to explore their calling. 

"Just recently, I spoke to my class about family and consumer science education as a possible career, and two students were interested in following up with me. I like to help people figure out what their calling and passion are all about," Thompson said. "I also bring in people from family and consumer sciences and K-State Extension to inform students of life-changing career options of which they may not have even been aware."

This award recognizes a teacher who is providing outstanding career and technical education programs for youth in their respective fields and communities — recipients are those who have created innovative programs to promote career and technical education. Thompson's focus has been senior capstone classes, internships and career preparation with recent students entering a diversity of fields, including school counseling, aviation, occupational therapy, marriage and family therapy, social work, day care administration and nonprofit organizations.

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