Empowering Classrooms with Tech: Verizon Innovative Learning at Foreign Language Academy
Since stepping into her role, Thompson has focused on helping teachers bring digital learning to life using resources from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. She collaborates closely with her colleagues, guiding them in effectively using these tech-based lesson plans in their classrooms.
“I had already been a teacher within Kansas City Public Schools and was always passionate about educational technology,” Thompson shares. “Now, I still get to connect with students while also supporting teachers in becoming their best.”
Thompson plays a key role in implementing Verizon Innovative Learning HQ’s free lesson plans, which include over 450 tech-driven activities developed in partnership with organizations like McGraw Hill, Discovery Education, and Arizona State University. These plans span a variety of topics—from coding and game development to science and art.
Sometimes, a lesson calls for an app or tool not currently available at the school. When that happens, Thompson looks for creative alternatives. “We may not always have the exact tool a lesson suggests,” she explains, “but the detailed outlines in each plan help me find effective substitutes using what we already have.”
A standout favorite among students is the Stop-Motion Animation lesson, which encourages hands-on creativity while reinforcing STEM concepts. Though the lesson recommends a specific app, Thompson identified a similar tool already installed on school devices. Fifth-grader Gabriela finds it engaging: “I take all the photos, then use the app to add effects. It feels like I’m learning something new—like editing and video skills.”
The lesson also introduces students to concepts in physics (motion and gravity), engineering (set design), and math (timing and frame rates).
Another widely loved activity is the Emoji Design project. Although the suggested graphic design platform wasn't available, Thompson found five alternative programs that achieved the same goal. Students were able to choose the one they liked best and customize their designs accordingly. Sixth-grader Kevin created a sports-themed emoji, while eighth-grader Maria Jose explored gradient backgrounds on her own.
The adaptability of the lesson plans fosters creativity and autonomy in the classroom. Students are encouraged to choose the tools they feel most comfortable with, building confidence and expanding their digital skillsets. Thompson recalls one student who gravitated toward a music production app. “He was excited to use it for percussion work,” she says. “He told me, ‘I’m good at keeping beats,’ and I loved seeing him channel that.”
Thompson believes that using technology as a tool for creation, rather than just consumption, is transformative. “It gives students the power to express themselves and demonstrate what they’ve learned in ways that feel personal and meaningful,” she says. “When they’re given choice, they find their voice—and that’s huge.”
Students agree. “We get to add our own ideas into our assignments,” says seventh-grader Gabriel. His classmate Leo puts it simply: “It makes learning more fun.”
STEM and robotics teacher Tim Nash has noticed the broader impact of these lessons. Students are applying their newly acquired skills to other classes, such as journalism. “They now produce weekly video announcements using tools introduced through these lessons,” Nash says. “It’s exciting to see them transfer those skills beyond just one subject.”
These video projects are shared throughout the school and have empowered middle-school students to take on leadership roles in content creation—an outcome Nash calls “pretty cool.”
To support her fellow educators, Thompson shares a regular newsletter filled with project ideas, examples, and resources. She also provides individualized support through one-on-one conversations, ensuring teachers feel confident using the materials. “What’s really great is that teachers are taking these resources and making them their own,” she says. “And the results have been both creative and inspiring.”
“I had already been a teacher within Kansas City Public Schools and was always passionate about educational technology,” Thompson shares. “Now, I still get to connect with students while also supporting teachers in becoming their best.”
Thompson plays a key role in implementing Verizon Innovative Learning HQ’s free lesson plans, which include over 450 tech-driven activities developed in partnership with organizations like McGraw Hill, Discovery Education, and Arizona State University. These plans span a variety of topics—from coding and game development to science and art.
Sometimes, a lesson calls for an app or tool not currently available at the school. When that happens, Thompson looks for creative alternatives. “We may not always have the exact tool a lesson suggests,” she explains, “but the detailed outlines in each plan help me find effective substitutes using what we already have.”
A standout favorite among students is the Stop-Motion Animation lesson, which encourages hands-on creativity while reinforcing STEM concepts. Though the lesson recommends a specific app, Thompson identified a similar tool already installed on school devices. Fifth-grader Gabriela finds it engaging: “I take all the photos, then use the app to add effects. It feels like I’m learning something new—like editing and video skills.”
The lesson also introduces students to concepts in physics (motion and gravity), engineering (set design), and math (timing and frame rates).
Another widely loved activity is the Emoji Design project. Although the suggested graphic design platform wasn't available, Thompson found five alternative programs that achieved the same goal. Students were able to choose the one they liked best and customize their designs accordingly. Sixth-grader Kevin created a sports-themed emoji, while eighth-grader Maria Jose explored gradient backgrounds on her own.
The adaptability of the lesson plans fosters creativity and autonomy in the classroom. Students are encouraged to choose the tools they feel most comfortable with, building confidence and expanding their digital skillsets. Thompson recalls one student who gravitated toward a music production app. “He was excited to use it for percussion work,” she says. “He told me, ‘I’m good at keeping beats,’ and I loved seeing him channel that.”
Thompson believes that using technology as a tool for creation, rather than just consumption, is transformative. “It gives students the power to express themselves and demonstrate what they’ve learned in ways that feel personal and meaningful,” she says. “When they’re given choice, they find their voice—and that’s huge.”
Students agree. “We get to add our own ideas into our assignments,” says seventh-grader Gabriel. His classmate Leo puts it simply: “It makes learning more fun.”
STEM and robotics teacher Tim Nash has noticed the broader impact of these lessons. Students are applying their newly acquired skills to other classes, such as journalism. “They now produce weekly video announcements using tools introduced through these lessons,” Nash says. “It’s exciting to see them transfer those skills beyond just one subject.”
These video projects are shared throughout the school and have empowered middle-school students to take on leadership roles in content creation—an outcome Nash calls “pretty cool.”
To support her fellow educators, Thompson shares a regular newsletter filled with project ideas, examples, and resources. She also provides individualized support through one-on-one conversations, ensuring teachers feel confident using the materials. “What’s really great is that teachers are taking these resources and making them their own,” she says. “And the results have been both creative and inspiring.”
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