Teachers of the Month
Two teachers at Pea Ridge Middle School were selected as co-teachers of the month, according to principal Matt Wood.
Andrew Ballard and Talina McDonald, both in the special education program at the middle school were selected by their peers.
“Andrew and Talina are totally dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all their students,” Wood said. “They both come to work every day and greet the students with a smile. They help create a very positive learning environment.”
“Andrew Ballard is one of the most upbeat, positive people I know,” Leslie Moline, master teacher at Pea Ridge Middle School, said. “His students love him because he ‘meets them where they are’ and works tirelessly to make sure they have learned what they need to learn.”
“Talina McDonald is a rock,” Moline said. “She has one of the hardest jobs in the building, but she is always smiling and willing to help out wherever needed.”
“Talina and Andrew definitely make our school a better place!” Moline said.
Ballard, originally from Walnut Ridge, has been at Pea Ridge for two years now and has been in education for three and a half years.
“I love the interaction with students and colleagues,” Ballard said.
He is married to Christin Ballard; they have one son, Holden. His hobbies are playing golf, reading, and playing with his 17-month-old son.
McDonald, a native of Forrest City, moved to Pea Ridge after her seventh-grade and graduated with the Pea Ridge High School class of 2000. “I consider myself native to Pea Ridge,” she said.
McDonald has been in education five years, two of which she has been in Pea Ridge. She is a paraprofessional for the middle school special education program.
“I am fortunate to help students with all subjects,” McDonald said. “My favorite thing about teaching: Plain and simple — The kids! I am here for them. Teaching them and watching them grow is a blessing!”
She is married and has four children. “They are, of course, the best there is!”
She said she loves the outdoors “so much that my dates with my husband are usually either on a boat or in a tree stand depending on the time of the year.
“I have found a new love of coaching girls basketball as I started with fourth grade this year. The girls are simply amazing!”