By: Hunter Ferguson

Altus High School Special Education teacher Donna Thornton has spent the past four years helping student with “behavioral disabilities”. Before that she had taught at “Sunset Elementary, Navajo Elementary, and Altus Junior High all in Altus, OK”. Thornton said “I enjoy my students more than anything. Developing a relationship with them is so important. Having them know that I care and I hear them means so much to them and me”.

When asked what motivated her to go into this line of work Thornton shared “A High School teacher I had, Sally George, had a great impact on me while I was in High School. She was kind, caring, loving and strict all at the same time. She showed me that teachers could love their students unconditionally. After changing my mind several times on what to get a degree in, I decided to become a teacher. Then, my best friend, Jana Neely, was a Special Education teacher. She inspired me to get my Special Education certification. I saw her greatness in the classroom and with the students and knew immediately God was calling me to be that teacher”.

“When you have that difficult student, find out their why! Why they need that attention.

Why they act or behave that way. There is always a reason and if you show them you care enough to want to help, they will trust you. Love them, be kind to them, and still be strict with them. Show them respect. Do not be too prideful to apologize when you’re wrong” said Thornton.

Overall the code she lives by is “There will be great days and not so great days, but show up for your students each day. Remember that, no matter the age, they want kindness, compassion, and understanding. You will get what you give to them”.

Away from things at school Thornton enjoys spending time with her family stating “My husband Trebor Thornton and I have 4 children with 4 wonderful spouses and we have been blessed with 5 amazing grandchildren”. She also likes to read and bake whenever she gets the chance.