Bill Graham / The Meridian StarTeri Edwards, the Lauderdale County School District's K-4 curriculum director and test coordinator, is retiring this summer.

Looking back on the last 28 years, Teri Edwards hopes she made a difference in the lives of children.

 “The greatest thing is that I love my job and coming to work,” she said.

Edwards, the Lauderdale County School District’s K-4 curriculum director and test coordinator, is retiring this summer. 

The Northeast High graduate taught elementary school for several years, never intending to be an administrator. But after going back to school, she enjoyed the process and saw how her skills could help children in the classroom. 

Before moving to the central office in 2012, Edwards filled various roles in the Lauderdale County and Meridian Public School districts. Her career started in 1991 at Quitman Upper Elementary, where she taught fifth grade.

She served as principal at Northeast Lauderdale Elementary for seven years before becoming K-4 curriculum director and test coordinator. Edwards said she enjoyed her time at Northeast.  

“So, that’s been exciting to serve as principal at the elementary school where I attended,” she said. “That was an exciting time in life.” 

In her role as curriculum director and test coordinator, Edwards helped the district transition from paper and pencil testing to a digital platform. 

She attributes her success to teamwork, saying that throughout her career, she’s had the chance to work with some amazing people, including Cheryl Thomas, a colleague at the central office. 

Edwards said she and Thomas draw from each others’ strengths when they are problem-solving.  

“We work well together in what we hope to accomplish,” Edwards said.

Edwards, who described her coworkers as family, said that everyone – teachers, students, staff and even the janitors – play a part in a school’s success.

“It really takes a team in what we do,” she said. “We support each other and help in any way we can.” 

She’s also enjoyed her final year with the Lauderdale County Schools, as she worked with John-Mark Cain during his first year as the district’s superintendent. 

“I have no doubt the district will continue to move forward with his leadership,” she said.  

“She is truly amazing and I am saddened to see her leave us,” Cain said in an email. “But I am very happy for her to have some great opportunities moving forward.”

Even though she’s retiring, Edwards hopes to stay in the education field.

She said she’ll always have fond memories of her long career. 

 “I love what I do and I am thankful that I have worked in the district,” she said.