Empowering the Next Generation Through Education and Community Building
Rosa Thompson, a proud 2004 graduate of East High School, has remained deeply connected to her roots on Madison’s east side, a place she still calls home. From her early days at Lapham Elementary through her experiences at Marquette Elementary, O’Keeffe Middle School, and East High, Rosa’s journey has been shaped by determination, personal growth, and a dedication to supporting education and her community.
Reflecting on her early education, Rosa fondly remembers her time at Marquette Elementary, where two teachers, Ms. McGilligan-Bentin (“Ms. McB”) and Mrs. Zillman, played pivotal roles in shaping her experience. “Ms. McB’s classroom was a place where learning was fun and personalized,” Rosa shares. “She taught me how to connect with students on an individual level, and that’s something I carried with me into my own career as an educator.” The lasting friendships Rosa formed at Marquette remain an important part of her life today.
Rosa’s early school years weren’t always easy, and she described herself as a “tough kid” at Lapham Elementary, often spending time in the principal’s office under the guidance of Ms. Barbara Thompson, a Black principal who left a lasting impression on her. “Ms. Thompson helped guide me through those difficult moments,” Rosa recalls. “She was an inspiration to me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until later.”
By middle school, Rosa began to find her footing—both in academics and athletics. At O’Keeffe Middle School, she was part of the basketball team that went undefeated during her time there, a proud accomplishment that gave her confidence. “That undefeated season was a huge highlight! I was recently at O’Keeffe, and the plaque is still there!” she says with a smile.
During her time at O’Keeffe, Rosa also participated in a program called Dream Camp, which played a pivotal role in her personal and athletic development. “Dream Camp was a special community where kids from Lowell and Marquette came together to do things we loved, finish our homework, and just have fun after school,” Rosa recalls. “It was run by people who later became my coaches in high school. It really grew my love for basketball, which I played all the way through high school. Dream Camp wasn’t just a program—it was something we felt was ours.”
When Rosa reached East High School, her confidence continued to grow. She continued to enjoy basketball, playing all four years, and in the classroom, she thrived in courses that challenged her to think critically about the world. One class that stands out in her memory was a social studies course on race and justice taught by Ms. Jones. She also credits Mr. Scott, the Minority Services Coordinator, for introducing her to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which sparked her decision to attend Clark Atlanta University. “Mr. Scott was the one who pushed me to consider an HBCU. Without him, I might not have considered that opportunity,” she says.
Rosa’s time at Clark Atlanta came with challenges. Being away from home for the first time was a culture shock, and navigating a new environment was difficult, but the rigorous academic foundation she had at East helped her persevere. “There were moments where I wasn’t sure I could make it,” Rosa admits, “but everything I learned back in Madison—especially managing my time between academics and basketball—helped me push through.” She also thrived in Clark Atlanta’s Honors Program, where the higher academic expectations pushed her to develop discipline and resilience. “The Honors Program was intense, but it taught me how to push my limits and rise to challenges.”
After earning her degree in education, Rosa faced another hurdle—the job market. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, teaching positions in the Atlanta area became scarce, making it difficult to find work. This led Rosa to return to Madison, where opportunities in the school district allowed her to begin her career in education and make an impact on the community that raised her.
For the past 16 years, Rosa has worked within the Madison Metropolitan School District, where she spent a decade as a classroom teacher before transitioning to her current role as a New Educator Mentor. In this position, she supports new teachers across multiple schools, allowing her to stay connected with students and educators alike.
In addition to her role with the district, Rosa is the founder of Black Girl Magic, a community-based organization dedicated to empowering young Black girls through leadership programs, mentorship, and supportive spaces where they can thrive. The organization, which started as a small initiative at Hawthorne Elementary, has grown into a multi-faceted program offering groups, youth leadership opportunities, Saturday sessions, and annual conferences. Rosa’s dedication to the girls in her community is evident in her deep personal connections with them—some of whom she has mentored throughout their entire educational journeys. “One of the girls who works with me now at Black Girl Magic is someone I’ve been connected with throughout her entire educational journey. I taught her in kindergarten, and again in 4th grade, and she was part of my very first Black Girl Magic group at Hawthorne. Now, she works for me. Being part of her life like that is very special to me,” Rosa shares.
Reflecting on what drives her work today, Rosa says, “My experience in MMSD taught me that teaching is all about relationships. It’s not just about the content—it’s about how you make students feel. I don’t remember every lesson I learned in Ms. McB’s 4th-grade classroom, but I do remember feeling welcomed, comfortable, and cared for. That’s what I carry into my work, reminding teachers that their role goes beyond grades. Every child deserves to feel seen, supported and advocated for, and that’s what we need to ensure for all students, whether or not they have someone in their corner advocating for them like I did.”
Balancing her roles as a mentor, educator, nonprofit leader, and mother of three (two of whom are school-age and attend MMSD schools), Rosa’s impact on the Madison community is undeniable. Her husband, a principal in the district at Sherman Middle, shares her dedication to improving education for all. Together, they are committed to building a stronger, more supportive school system.
As she reflects on her journey—from her time as a “tough kid” in the principal’s office to founding Black Girl Magic—Rosa feels a deep sense of gratitude for the Madison community that helped shape her. Her 20th high school reunion, which brought together nearly 100 classmates, was a celebration of the enduring connections she formed throughout her years in MMSD. “It’s amazing to see how many of us are still connected after all these years. That speaks to the strength of our community and the bonds we built,” Rosa says.
For Rosa, her work in education and with Black Girl Magic isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “I want to make sure that the next generation has opportunities to succeed, to feel seen, and to thrive. That’s what keeps me going.”
Madison’s public schools are proud to count Rosa Thompson among their alumni!
