This award represents excellence in STEM education, and I could not have realized this level of success without the support and collaboration of my colleagues at Center Hill High School. We are a family of educators working toward the common goals of putting students first and striving for excellence in education. I am honored to represent Center Hill High School, DeSoto County Schools, and the state of Mississippi as a recipient of the Presidential Award.

Judith Terry Olive Branch, MS | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Judith "Judy" Terry has been an educator for 12 years, all of which she has spent teaching at Center Hill High School. She currently teaches Algebra I, PSAT/ACT Mathematics, and Advanced Placement Calculus AB to 9th-12th grade students, and previously taught Geometry and Algebra II. Judy uses a problem-based learning approach in the classroom, where real-world application brings mathematics concepts to life. Her hands-on, student-driven teaching style helps students build upon prior knowledge and deepen understanding as they investigate new ideas. As the Mu Alpha Theta (MAT) sponsor, Judy manages the afterschool peer tutoring program at Center Hill High and works with the MAT Mathletes to prepare for an annual competition. Additionally, Judy supports the STEAM program at Overpark Elementary School by assisting with the annual STEAM family night and serving as a science fair judge. In her role as department chair, Judy works with all mathematics teachers to build continuity between grade levels and keep curriculum relevant to student needs. She helps teachers analyze data and develop plans for improvement in weak areas. Judy leads study sessions for the Praxis mathematics content knowledge test, mentors new mathematics teachers, and provides professional development for secondary mathematics teachers at district and state levels. Judy was named Center Hill High and DeSoto County School District teacher of the year in 2017. She is a member of the Mississippi Teacher Advisory Council to the state superintendent and the Mississippi Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Judy has a B.A. of general studies from University of Mississippi and an M.Ed. in K-12 mathematics curriculum and instruction from University of Texas at Arlington. She is certified in grades 7-12 mathematics.

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