JONESBORO, Ark.—A chance social media post reunited a Jonesboro woman with the third-grade teacher who inspired her life’s path, leading her to pursue a career in education.
Nadja Prunty, 35, has long considered becoming a teacher, citing her love of working with children and helping them understand new concepts. While reflecting on her career goals, Prunty thought about Donna James, her third-grade teacher at Fox Meadow Elementary in the Nettleton School District.
“I miss her,” Prunty said of James. Spurred by fond memories, Prunty posted to social media seeking help locating her former teacher. The post proved successful, resulting in a reunion between the two educators over a virtual meeting. James, now 69 and based in Harrison, plans to visit Jonesboro soon to meet Prunty in person and further their reconnection.
“Oh, I can’t wait,” said James of the planned visit. “I’m going to come and visit you when you start teaching...I want to read a story to your class.”
The reunion became an opportunity to reflect on their shared passion for teaching. James, who spent years inspiring her students, said she still finds it difficult to step away from the classroom. Despite her retirement, she is considering substitute teaching in her community.
“I wasn’t finished,” she explained. “I just don’t feel finished. It just gets inside of you.”
For Prunty, James’ influence extended far beyond academics. She shared that her teacher made her feel seen and valued as both a student and an individual—something she hopes to bring into her future classroom.
“You have to have a passion for it,” Prunty reflected. “You have to have kind of like a calling for it...to follow that calling is needed.”
“I see your passion,” James replied. “I see your fire, and I think you’re going to make a fantastic teacher.”
Prunty credits those early lessons under James’ instruction as molding her own teaching philosophy. As she contemplates the start of her teaching career, her goal is to create the same lasting connections with her students that James fostered with her.
“I learned a lot, but I also learned a lot of life lessons with you as well,” Prunty told James. “And that helped me want to spread that awareness, spread that education and closeness to students.”
Prunty already has a message in mind for her future students. “I see you, you’re wonderful, you’re going to do amazing things,” she said.
James emphasized the importance of relationships and passion in education as the foundation for teachers navigating both the joys and challenges of the profession. The two mutually expressed excitement for the journey ahead, with Prunty eager to pass along the inspiration she found in her own classroom years ago.