Michelle Harris serves as a Special Education teacher at Tharptown Elementary School. In her role, she works with students who have diverse learning needs, providing individualized support and instruction to help them succeed both academically and socially. By collaborating closely with classroom teachers, families, and support staff, Michelle helps ensure that each student receives the accommodations and guidance they need to thrive in the classroom. At Tharptown Elementary, Michelle is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and capable. She focuses on building strong relationships with her students while helping them develop confidence, independence, and the skills needed for continued success in school and beyond.

Destry McDonald teaches Special Education for grades K–2 at Tharptown Elementary School and began her teaching career at TES in 2023. She holds a Master of Education in Library Media from the University of West Alabama and a Bachelor of Science in Education in Collaborative Special Education (K–6) from Athens State University. Destry holds multiple Alabama Professional Educator Certifications, including Class A Certification in School Library Media (P–12) and Class B Certifications in Collaborative Special Education (K–6 and 6–12) as well as General Science (4–8). Her training and educational background provide a strong foundation for supporting students with diverse learning needs. Destry was inspired to pursue a career in education by her sister, who has Down Syndrome. Growing up alongside her sister gave her a firsthand understanding of both the challenges and triumphs that many students with diverse learning needs experience. This personal connection shaped her belief that every student can learn when provided with the right support, advocacy, and opportunities. Destry is passionate about creating accessible learning pathways that encourage all students to become lifelong learners. A graduate of a Franklin County high school, she values the strong sense of belonging and support found in the TES community. Outside of school, Destry enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband, Jeremy, for 28 years, and together they have six children - Makayla, Abigail, Molly, Joshua, Jonas, and Malachi, as well as a granddaughter, Bonnie, with another granddaughter expected in May. Family is very important to her, and she also enjoys traveling with her sister whenever possible.

Abram Tidwell serves as a Special Education teacher for 5th and 6th grade students at Tharptown Elementary School. He began his teaching career and joined the TES family in 2025. Mr. Tidwell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of North Alabama and a Bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Special Education (K–6/6–12) from the University of West Alabama. Prior to becoming a teacher, he worked for three years as a paraprofessional at Belgreen High School, gaining valuable experience supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping them succeed in the classroom. Mr. Tidwell was inspired to pursue a career in special education after he and his wife adopted a son with special needs. Through that experience, he discovered a passion for supporting children and helping them reach their full potential. He believes in creating an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. Although he is originally from Tennessee, his wife, Amanda, was raised in Russellville, and much of her family lives in the surrounding community. Together, they have been foster parents for about eight years and have welcomed more than 80 children into their home during that time. They have adopted eight children and currently care for three foster children. Mr. Tidwell and his wife also teach youth Sunday school and are passionate about serving others. He values the family-like atmosphere at Tharptown Elementary and strives to treat everyone with kindness and respect each day.

Brittne Prince is a Special Education teacher serving students in Kindergarten through 6th grade at Tharptown Elementary School. She began working at TES in 2014 and started her teaching career in 2016. Mrs. Prince earned her Associate in Arts in Teacher Education from Northwest-Shoals Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Athens State University, and her Master of Education in Special Education from the University of West Alabama. She is also LETRS Elementary Mastery trained, strengthening her ability to support students in literacy development. Mrs. Prince began her career at TES as a substitute before moving into a special education aide position, where she discovered her passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs. Mrs. Prince believes that everyone is a lifelong learner and values the lessons she learns from her students each day. Her teaching philosophy centers on patience, grace, and understanding that learning looks different for every child. A proud graduate of Tharptown High School, she has deep roots in the community and considers herself a Wildcat through and through. She first walked into Tharptown as a kindergarten student and now enjoys watching her own children grow and learn here. Mrs. Prince has been married to her high school sweetheart, Richie, since 2014, and they have two children, Piper and Asher. She is actively involved in the school’s afterschool program and supports youth sports in the community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, thrifting, antiquing, and spending time with her family.