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Ama Thompson
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Director of Academic Resources and Assessment
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As Director of Academic Resources and Assessment, Dr. Ama Thompson leads the Academic Resources Team, providing assistance to teachers and parents in order to meet the needs of SAA students, especially those with twice exceptionalities.
Dr. Thompson has spent over 20 years in education and earned a B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders, a M.A. in Learning Disabilities and a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University. She is also a certified Learning Behavior Specialist.
Dr. Thompson brings extensive experience in assessment and special education to Science & Arts Academy. She began her career as a reading specialist and program director at Betty Shabazz International Charter School Network in Chicago, eventually becoming the Director of Academic Supports, leading the Special Education and Support Services department for the multi-campus network for 10 years.
During her career she has set special education policy and procedures and provided professional development on topics including special education, differentiating instruction for diverse learners, and reading development and instruction. She has also worked to coordinate services for students with a variety of disabilities through IEP development and implementation.
Dr. Thompson has also spent more than 15 years in private practice for educational therapy and assessment. She has diagnostic experience as well, partnering on psycho-educational evaluations used in the determination of learning disabilities.
At Science & Arts Academy, Dr. Thompson works in partnership with families to ensure clear understanding of students’ learning profiles. She collaborates with teachers and families regarding student needs, shares strategies to help maximize student potential, and coordinates schoolwide assessments. Dr. Thompson loves working with educators to expand and refine their teaching practices and knowledge of exceptional learners. Her focus is on what students and teachers need to succeed and grow.
Dr. Thompson has a love of teaching exceptional learners. Coming from a family of teachers and nurses, she has always been fascinated with how children learn and grow. She loves “seeing children smile when they learn, realize, or create something.”
Outside of SAA, Dr. Thompson loves spending time with her sons and balances her creative side; whether through baking and decorating cakes or doing creative projects, with a hearty competitive spirit for board games and outdoor fun.
Dr. Thompson has spent over 20 years in education and earned a B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders, a M.A. in Learning Disabilities and a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University. She is also a certified Learning Behavior Specialist.
Dr. Thompson brings extensive experience in assessment and special education to Science & Arts Academy. She began her career as a reading specialist and program director at Betty Shabazz International Charter School Network in Chicago, eventually becoming the Director of Academic Supports, leading the Special Education and Support Services department for the multi-campus network for 10 years.
During her career she has set special education policy and procedures and provided professional development on topics including special education, differentiating instruction for diverse learners, and reading development and instruction. She has also worked to coordinate services for students with a variety of disabilities through IEP development and implementation.
Dr. Thompson has also spent more than 15 years in private practice for educational therapy and assessment. She has diagnostic experience as well, partnering on psycho-educational evaluations used in the determination of learning disabilities.
At Science & Arts Academy, Dr. Thompson works in partnership with families to ensure clear understanding of students’ learning profiles. She collaborates with teachers and families regarding student needs, shares strategies to help maximize student potential, and coordinates schoolwide assessments. Dr. Thompson loves working with educators to expand and refine their teaching practices and knowledge of exceptional learners. Her focus is on what students and teachers need to succeed and grow.
Dr. Thompson has a love of teaching exceptional learners. Coming from a family of teachers and nurses, she has always been fascinated with how children learn and grow. She loves “seeing children smile when they learn, realize, or create something.”
Outside of SAA, Dr. Thompson loves spending time with her sons and balances her creative side; whether through baking and decorating cakes or doing creative projects, with a hearty competitive spirit for board games and outdoor fun.
