Hi! I’m Sarnia Thompson, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Millbrook Third Grade Family! My teaching journey has taken me from the vibrant classrooms of Jamaica to schools in Virginia and now to beautiful North Carolina, where I’m loving every minute of calling this place home. Growing up on the sunny island of Jamaica, surrounded by turquoise beaches and lush mountain trails, I developed a deep love for nature and adventure that sparked my curiosity about the world. Even as a little girl, that curiosity led me to “teach” my mother’s plants on the patio, sharing lessons I’d learned at school with my very first students. Little did I know those imaginative moments were planting the seeds for my lifelong passion: helping young learners explore, grow, and discover their own paths.

Now joyfully stepping into my 20-plus years of teaching, I cherish every classroom, every child, and every community that has gifted me new lessons and unforgettable memories. To teach is to touch a life forever, and I’m grateful for the privilege to do just that every day.

Outside the classroom, you can usually find me enjoying time with my family, cooking delicious meals, and dancing to good music. I am married and have one wonderful son, and together we fill our home with laughter, love, and plenty of fun. Family is truly the heart of everything I do, and the warmth and care I give my own family are the same qualities I bring into my classroom. Fun fact: I consider outfit planning a full hobby. I love mixing colors, patterns, and accessories to start each day feeling confident and creative. When I’m not crafting the perfect look, you’ll find me curled up with a good book that’s filled with adventure, laughter, and characters who feel like old friends.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northern University and my Master’s Degree in Literacy Studies from the University of the West Indies. I am passionate about helping students become strong, confident readers who love books and think critically about the world around them. My favorite quote is by Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Why I Teach...

I believe, as Rita F. Pierson said, that “Every child deserves a champion—someone who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” Learning is not always easy, but with the right support, students can excel beyond their imagination. Learning should be fun, meaningful, and exciting. Every child deserves access to quality education, and I am committed to making sure they are never denied that opportunity.