Donna Hardy teaches English to eighth graders at Bearden Middle School in Knoxville. Ms. Hardy Believes that educators who care about the well-being of children must foster in them the "confidence to speak, the courage to try, and the strength to love themselves." Adding that the arts provide a major venue to boost children's feelings of self-worth and purpose, Ms. Hardy laments the current disregard for the arts that has followed from a loss of funding coupled to a loss of interest. She believes that technology and media sciences have overshadowed the necessity for an education in the arts. Ms. Hardy's deep commitment to language and communication is evident from her deep love for poetry; she would like to create every opportunity for her students to express themselves freely, effectively, and if possible, beautifully. Her commitment to communication is also at the heart of her efforts against prejudice of any kind; "there are no superior races, only superior individuals."
1979 University of Tennessee - Knoxville, B.A.