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January 2, 2009

Classroom is apple of Bennett’s eye

Outgoing district attorney’s next move is teaching; she’s unsure about another run for public office

By Angela Weatherford Associate Editor

After 25 years of prosecuting crimes, former Henderson County District Attorney Donna Bennett will soon be speaking to a different jury — students.

In an interview Wednesday, Bennett — who has been teaching political science classes at Trinity Valley Community College for the past few years — said she hopes to be hired as a full-time teacher.

“TVCC has just been great,” she said. “I’m excited about being a part of (the community).”

Bennett lost her seat as district attorney last March when she was defeated by local attorney Scott McKee.

As to whether she will ever run for another office, Bennett said she is unsure if she would throw her hat into a race anytime soon.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said. “I don’t ever want to close the door on anything, but right now the plan is to teach for the next 20 years.”

Bennett has purchased some office space, which she plans to use for “school and teaching.”

“I’m not planning on practicing (law),” Bennett said.

A good teacher uses examples to teach their students, and Bennett believes she has many real-life experiences from which to pull.

Bennett began her 14 years as Henderson County’s district attorney as an independent. Through the years, she also won the office as both a Republican and a Democrat.

“I’ve just been fortunate,” she said. “I have been a prosecutor since 1986 and I have a lot of good real-life examples to pull from.”

The daughter of a Methodist minister and a school teacher, Bennett comes from a line of educators. She plans to teach classes in criminal justice, political science and some paralegal courses.

“This is what I want to do,” Bennett said. “I want to teach. I am looking for forward to working with a different group of people.”

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