Terri has worked in schools for close to 40 years as an elementary school classroom teacher, a professor of education, and as a district literacy specialist. Most recently, she has served as the founding principal of a public preK to 8 school in New York City where she was tasked with establishing a school culture that centered children and supporting them on their individual learning paths, valued the professional expertise of her staff, and respected parents' voices. She has her Masters and Doctoral degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Terri believes that the best schools keep children at the center of decision making. That means that all adults involved in the school need to be informed about child development, be careful and close “kid watchers,” and acknowledge the social, emotional and academic skills and ideas that young people bring to the school community. Using an asset-based lens, we can design and facilitate learning experiences that challenge and engage all students and create an environment that provides the space children need to grow and excel.