Thompson Middle School is proud to announce that Mr. Michael Chambless has been named the 2025 -2026 Teacher of the Year! Mr. Chambless, who is celebrating his 11th year in education and his 10th year at Thompson Middle School, has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the entire TMS community through his dedication to teaching band and inspiring young musicians.
Mr. Chambless discovered his passion for teaching toward the end of high school, when he began giving private music lessons to middle school students. “I found tremendous joy in helping young musicians develop their skills and enthusiasm for making music,” he shared. “That experience confirmed for me that I wanted to dedicate my career to teaching band and inspiring future generations of musicians.”
Over the past decade at TMS, Mr. Chambless has done exactly that—fostering not only a love of music but also confidence, teamwork, and creativity in his students. His favorite part of teaching, he says, is watching students experience the pure joy of performance. “Their smiles, excitement, and sense of pride remind me why I chose this profession,” he said. “Every performance is a celebration of their growth, not just as musicians, but as individuals who have learned to express themselves, take risks, and share something meaningful with others.”
Thompson Middle School congratulates Mr. Chambless on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his continued dedication to making TMS a place where music and learning thrive.