CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- As a substitute teacher for Jefferson County Schools, Tom Donlon often relies on his experience as a writer when he's in the classroom. Now, he has published a book entitled "Apart, I Am Together," featuring a collection of poems he's written over the past 40 years.
"This collection covers decades and includes my years of marriage, raising six children, and our spiritual journeys through life," he explained.
Donlon's writing career has spanned nearly four decades, including work as a technical writer and an adjunct professor for Shepherd University. In 1997, he joined Verizon, where he remained for the next 20 years. Upon his retirement in 2017, he stepped into the classroom as a substitute teacher with JCS. He also serves as the eastern panhandle representative for West Virginia Writers, Inc., an all-volunteer writers' resource and service organization.
Donlon said much of his inspiration comes from his father, who was a portrait painter. Donlan said he also aspired to be an artist but became a writer instead - an artist of words, as he calls it. While Donlan's father painted portraits of Donlan and his siblings, Donlan has written poems for each of his six children, all of whom graduated from Jefferson High School.
"I finally figured out I'm doing portraits with words," he said.
Raised in Fairfax, Virginia, Donlon moved with his family to Jefferson County in 1986. He said substituting in the community he has called home for nearly 40 years is rewarding.
"I wanted to do something socially helpful," he said, adding that his favorite part of subbing is interacting with students who take a genuine interest in learning.
"Any school, any grade," he said. "I'm available."
Substitute educators play a crucial role in the continuity of daily education by stepping in, often at a moment's notice, to provide school or district-wide coverage wherever it is most needed. They are talented and adaptable individuals who are relied upon by administrators, teachers, and students alike. Join JCS as a sub and make your mark in our caring community of educators! Visit www.jcswv.org/careers to complete an application.