Thomas is assistant principal at TES

RUSSELLVILLE — Educator and coach Talon Thomas is taking on a new challenge as assistant principal at Tharptown Elementary School.

“We are excited to have Talon Thomas join our leadership team as assistant principal, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our school,” said Brooke Harris, who is beginning her first year as principal following two years as assistant principal.

Thomas brings 14 years of teaching and coaching experience to the role. He has taught at three schools, most recently at Belgreen School, where he also coached golf, cross country and basketball.

His teaching background includes computer science, health, driver’s education and serving as facilitator for Apex online courses. He worked with middle school students in computer science and with high school students in health and driver’s education.

Thomas earned his educational specialist degree in educational leadership, concentrating on principalship, from Arkansas State University in 2020.

“I’ve always wanted to work in the elementary setting, and I think I’m most useful in that setting and that I can make the biggest difference,” Thomas said.

He said Tharptown’s strongsenseof community and teamwork made the opportunity especially appealing.

“The teaching staff is stellar,” he added, noting that he is excited to work with the school’s principal and guidance counselor.

Thomas said his time at Belgreen helped him build relationships with staff, students and parents while fine-tuning his leadership, decision-making and conflict resolution skills.

“I will continue to focus on supporting teachers in their goals of aiding in the academic progress of students,” he said. “I want to ensure the teachers at Tharptown have the resources they need to be successful.”

His philosophy of education is rooted in constructivism and student-centered learning.

“When students are actively engaged in learning, it becomes more meaningful and lasting,” he said. “Social interaction and hands-on approaches are priceless in the public school setting and are vital aspects of a solid foundation for top-tier elementary education.”

Thomas plans to bolster the Alabama Reading Initiative and the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative; foster a collaborative environment; provide professional development; use data-driven decision making; and create strong partnerships with families.

“By providing consistent, empathetic support, I aim to empower everyone to succeed in our shared vision of student success,” he said.

Thomas hopes students and staff will say he creates a fun atmosphere that makes them look forward to coming to school and that he made a positive impact on their lives.

Outside of school, Thomas enjoys superheroes, comic books, board games and golfing with his family.

His personal motto is “purpose over position,” a reminder that the “why” behind leadership matters more than the title.