Terri earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri, as well as a master’s degree in reading education and an educational specialist degree in administration from the University of Missouri — Kanas City. She taught for more than 30 years as an elementary and middle school teacher and reading specialist. She helped implement a school-within-a school BIST model to support at-risk students in the regular school setting. In addition, Terri worked as a district mentor supporting new teachers and student interns.