I'm Dr. Terré

I Equip Teachers with the Tools to Create Safe, Supportive, and Resilient Learning Environments for All Students. Why?

I am a proud product of Cleveland Public Schools, where a few extraordinary teachers gave me a safe space to land when I needed it most. You see, I was the student who slipped under the radar—the school leader, the honor roll student, the teacher’s pet with perfect attendance. I was well-known and well-liked, yet no one knew the truth: I attended over 10 different elementary schools, three junior high schools, and two high schools, all while carrying a secret.

My teachers never knew that both of my parents were battling addiction. By the grace of God and thanks to a few compassionate teachers who didn’t punish me for sleeping in class or missing a few assignments, I became the first—and the only—one of my six younger siblings to graduate from high school and go on to college.

Since then, I’ve taught and traveled the world, and today, a piece of my work is equipping teachers, mostly new, with the tools they need to help their students find a safe and supportive space in the very place they spend most of their day. My mission is not only to impact students’ academic success but to help them navigate life’s traumas and realize their full potential. This, to me, is the essence of LIGHT Work.

LISTEN with Empathy

Have INSIGHT into Trauma's Impact

GUIDE students through Challenges

Create HARMONY in the Classroom

TEACH with compassion.

ABOUT MY WORK

With 25 years of teaching experience under my belt, I've had the privilege of working in K-12 classrooms, teaching at the college level, and guiding entrepreneurs in personal and business development. My teaching journey has taken me from Brooklyn to Chicago, and even all the way to Abu Dhabi. I've earned degrees from Bowling Green State University and Northwestern University, and was honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Indiana Tech University for over two decades of service in education, publishing, mentoring, and teaching.

These days, I'm spending my time teaching LIGHT Work to educators during the day sharing my passion for real estate investing with adult learners by night.

PAST CLIENTS

5 Reasons Why You Should BOOK This Workshop at Your School

  • Enhance Teacher Effectiveness: This workshop equips teachers with practical, trauma-informed strategies that improve classroom management and student engagement, leading to more effective teaching and better student outcomes.

  • Support Student Well-Being: By helping teachers understand and address the impact of trauma on students, this workshop fosters a supportive learning environment where all students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

  • Reduce Behavioral Issues: Schools can expect a reduction in disruptive behaviors as teachers learn to recognize and respond to trauma-related triggers, creating a more harmonious and productive classroom atmosphere.

  • Promote Teacher Retention: Teachers who feel equipped to handle the emotional and behavioral challenges of their students are more likely to stay in the profession, reducing turnover and fostering a more stable school community.

  • Compliance with Educational Standards: Many educational standards and initiatives emphasize the importance of social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices. This workshop helps schools meet these standards and demonstrate their commitment to student well-being.

3 Things You Should Know Before Booking

LIGHT: Empowering Educators through Trauma-Informed Teaching

  1. Practical Solutions: The workshop is tailored to meet the unique needs of schools that serve impoverished children, from low-income and crime ridden neighborhoods, providing teachers with actionable strategies and tools that can be immediately implemented in their specific classroom environment.

  2. Interactive and Engaging Format: Unlike traditional professional development sessions, this workshop is highly interactive, featuring hands-on activities, real-life case studies, and collaborative exercises that keep teachers engaged and allow them to practice trauma-informed techniques in a supportive setting.

  3. Focus on Building Resilient Learning Communities: The workshop not only addresses individual student needs but also emphasizes creating a classroom culture that supports the overall well-being of both students and teachers, fostering a resilient and positive learning community within the school.

Dr. Terré is Available For:

  • Professional Development Days

  • School Retreats

  • Transformational Speaker for Students and Staff

Reserve a Date to Book Dr. Terré for Your Next Event