About the Administration

Tracy Murphy, Principal

Hello, my name is Tracy Murphy, and I have been the principal here at Thompson for the past five years. I began my career as an educator at a high school in New Lenox, Illinois. From there I moved on to Traughber Junior High in Oswego and taught seventh grade Language Arts. I came to Thompson as an assistant principal in 2001.

I grew up in the central part of Illinois.  After high school, I followed family tradition and attended Purdue University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in English and secondary education.  Both of my parents and my only sibling have graduated from Purdue as well. Needless to say, I am a big Boilermaker fan!

In 2000, I received my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from North Central College in Naperville.

I reside in Oswego with my husband and three children.  I very much enjoy living and working in Oswego, and I am very proud to be a part of Thompson Junior High.

Shannon Ford, Assistant Principal

Hi!  My name is Shannon Ford and this is my first year at Thompson Jr. High.  Before coming to Thompson, I spent ten years at Jefferson Middle School in the West Aurora School District as a technology teacher and dean/counselor.

I grew up in a small town in southeastern Iowa. I have a bachelor’s degree in History from Western Illinois University in Macomb and a master’s degree in educational leadership Aurora University.

I live in the Aurora section of our school district. I have a daughter, Erin, who is a student at Boulder Hill Elementary and two Labrador retrievers, Bruin and Hawkeye. I am very excited to be a part of the Thompson family and look forward to working with all the staff, students and parents!

Jay Brickman, Assistant Principal

Hi, my name is Jay Brickman and this is my second year at Thompson Junior High.  Before coming to Thompson, I spent 12 years in education at the high school level.  I have taught Social Studies, and I’ve also held Department Chair and Divisional Chair positions. 

My undergraduate degree is in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana.  I earned my J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a Masters in Education from DePaul University.

My family and I have recently moved to the area and now live in nearby Geneva. 

I have been a life-long Chicago Blackhawks fan and have stuck with them through the worst of times.  I am hoping their long Stanley Cup drought will end sometime soon…

I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to work with 6-8 grade learners, the wonderful Thompson staff, and the community that we serve.  I want to thank you for your continuing support and I look forward to meeting you!