Terri Stephens

Educator/Historian/Sister/Aunt/Doll Collector/Dog Mom

Terri Stephens is a native Memphian that enjoys learning and teaching about history. A product of Memphis City Schools, now Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Terri graduated from Westwood High School. She then went on to attend Washington University, St. Louis where she obtained a B.A. degree in African and Afro-American studies (1994). Terri continued her academic pursuits at the University of Memphis. During this time, she studied education. Terri received an M.A. in Teaching, as well as licensure to teach grades 1-8. In the fall of 1996, Terri began her teaching career. This did not stop her love of history, as a matter of fact, she taught 6th grade World Civilizations for 22 years. During this time, Terri went to Chicago to participate in a summer program with the HistoryMakers with teaches from across the country. She has also served on numerous state committees with a focus on teaching social studies/ history.

Terri currently serves as Social Studies Instructional coach for the Whitehaven Empowerment Zone of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. In this role, she coaches other classroom teachers to become stronger in their pedagogy.

On a more personal note, Terri’s love of history began at home with her parents. Her family would often sit together to watch historical documentaries and movies, i.e. Eyes on the Prize, Roots, Shaka Zulu. She still continues this practice with her nieces and nephew. Also, any family trip turns into a history lesson according to her sisters.