Talton named JCPS Paraeducator of the Year

Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SMITHFIELD — Pine Level Elementary Paraprofessional Donna Talton was named the Johnston County Public Schools 2023 Paraeducator of the Year.

Talton has been a paraeducator with JCPS for 11 years. She started out at Micro Elementary, then transferred to Pine Level Elementary, where she has spent the last five years in a place she calls home. “We are not employees, we’re all family members,” she said.

Before she became an award winning paraeducator, Talton worked in the medical field in various roles around Johnston County for 20 years. Upon graduation from Princeton High, she earned an associate degree from Johnston Community College, and went to work for Johnston County Emergency Medical Services as an Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate.

Talton also earned certifications from American Medical Technologies and spent five years at Kids Care Pediatrics. She was also a medical assistant at North Carolina Heart and Vascular in Smithfield for 13 years.

But the medical field was becoming too demanding, and with two young boys at home Talton realized it was time for her to do something different. She wanted to spend more time with her children, so she decided to switch careers. When thinking of what she could do next, working for Johnston County Public Schools immediately came to mind. It was a natural transition for a couple of reasons.

First of all, working for JCPS would give her the same schedule as her sons. That was an important aspect of her decision to become an educator.

The second reason was that she would get to work with children. While working with EMS, Talton went into homes and saw a lot of children without adequate bedding or clothing. During her time in pediatrics, Talton developed a deep love of helping children, not just medically, but the whole child. Becoming a paraeducator has allowed her to see things from a different perspective.

Paraeducators also play a vital role in the classrooms. They have the opportunity to work as a team with phenomenal teachers, filling in the gaps for teachers by working one-on-one with students who need a little extra help. “I love our teachers,“ she said.

Talton’s favorite thing about being a paraeducator is watching the children grow. “They all know that I love them,” she said.

As a healthcare provider she was focused solely on safety and emergency procedures. In this role, the lens is different. Now, seeing through the eyes of an educator, she focuses on students' academics, as well as their social and emotional well-being.

Talton, like all good educators, can pick up on when a child is having a bad day. That’s when her “momma mode” kicks in and she connects with that student to make a positive impact on their day. It is rewarding to Talton when students come to her and she is able to provide the assistance they need.

She looks for ways to build relationships with every student she comes in contact with, not just the students she teaches. Talton draws on experiences from sports, hiking, camping and reading to connect with the children. “Every staff member looks after all of the kids, not just the ones in their class or grade,” she said.

The commitment to the children of Pine Level Elementary doesn’t just happen during regular school hours for Talton. Her day begins as a before school tutor at 7:15 a.m. Once the school day ends, she drives an afternoon bus route ensuring that between 70-90 students arrive home safely.

“Teaching happens not only in the classroom, but on those routes at the end of the day,” Talton said.

The children are her inspiration, and when she finally gets home, she said, her heart is full from knowing that she has made a difference in a child’s life whether they realize it or not.

As for free time, she loves spending it with her family. Talton and her husband, Rob, will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in October. They have two sons, Jacob (13) and Joshua (10). Both will be attending middle school in the fall. Each are heavily involved in scouts, and play multiple sports. “I’m a sports mom,” Talton laughed.

She also enjoys hiking, camping, and reading. Her favorite things to read are success stories, such as those about sports figures who came from humble beginnings, set a goal for themselves, and saw that goal realized. All of these activities and passions serve as a way for Talton to connect with the students at school.

Talton received the award after an in-depth application process. As a member of the Johnston County Instructional Assistant Association for two years, she was required to submit a portfolio and a resume. During the process, Talton submitted her personal philosophy of education for a child. That philosophy is, “When you cut it for me, write it for me, open it for me, set it up for me, draw it for me, or find it for me, all I learn is that you can do it better than me.”

She recommends anyone who would want to be a paraprofessional to do so. “Jump in! You will be surprised at what you find that you like,” she said. “You will never regret the rewards that you receive.”

Talton said being named JCPS 2023 Paraprofessional of the Year makes her feel very humble. She said she knows that she has a lot of blessings in her life, and is thankful. “My mindset is, ‘What can I help someone achieve today?’” she said.