There is no talking when Harper's talking. And students know to have their homework on the desk and ready to be checked.

"She has better control over my class than I do," said third grade teacher Sal Mastropolo. "They respect her and they know she means business."

The students and teachers have grown to adore Harper's strict guidance.

It's one of the reasons she recently won the title of Wake County Teacher Assistant of the Year. The recognition came with a certificate and $250.

"She has such a rapport with the students, and they just clung to every word she said," said Pat Adams, a teacher assistant at Wilburn Elementary School who was on the selection committee.

Harper couldn't contain her excitement when she realized her name was called at the May 1 ceremony. Tears flowed down her face.

"I honestly didn't believe I was good enough to win," she said.

Harper's colleagues beg to differ.

"She's a ball of energy and she's very consistent. The kids take comfort in that because they always know where they stand," said Nancy Hunsucker, also a third grade teacher who works with Harper.

Harper has been a teacher assistant for most of the 12 years she has worked at Root. It's a job that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves and often takes a great deal of tenacity and a good sense of humor -- qualities teachers say Harper has.

After years of working odd jobs, Harper, 53, gave in to her calling. She had always had a love for kids and decided it was time to make it official. She went back to school and earned an associates degree in elementary education.

She started working at a preschool near Root. It was there where a parent of one of her students told her about the teacher assistant position at Root. Harper applied. She got the job.

Three classrooms

These days, Harper juggles the demands of three different teachers with different personalities and needs.

"She anticipates what you need before you do," said Hunsucker.

Harper has had a connection with the students and teachers because this isn't just a job for her. She approaches her position with passion and excitement.

"As adults, we hear children, but we don't always listen to children," said Harper, who has two grown kids of her own. "And when you listen, you have a better understanding and the students will then listen to us."

Educators say with the increased pressures on classroom teachers, assistants are valuable assets.

Often, the only thing that separates assistants from full teachers is the teaching certification.

Like Harper, many teacher assistants are able to lead the classroom and work with children in small groups, giving those who struggle more attention.

"The [teacher assistant] has become more of a co-teacher. It's less clerical and more focused on instruction and that helps the students feel comfortable and the teachers get more of the curriculum needs met," said Chip Mack, principal of Root Elementary.

Earlier this week, Harper greeted the students as they arrived. She immediately instructed them on their task.

She had to get after one student who didn't have her homework.

"This job has taught me patience and understanding," she said. "I've grown and matured. I'll probably be here until I retire."