Terry Hubbard retires after 38 years with Carter County Schools

Published 4:16 pm Thursday, June 18, 2020

Terry Hubbard always knew she wanted to work with people.

Hubbard, who is Director of Special Education, said this desire led to a 38-year career in Carter County Schools.

She said she began by getting her bachelor‘s degree in behavioral sciences. From there she worked at the Department of Human Services and Child Protective Services. She also worked in employment security.

“I loved working with the children,” she said, “so I decided to go back to school and teach.”

After getting her degree in education, Hubbard worked at Little Milligan Elementary for three years before working at Happy Valley Elementary for nearly 18 years. Hubbard then went on to serve as assistant principal, and then principal, of Happy Valley High School before her move to the Central Office where she has worked for the last five years.

During her time in teaching, Hubbard recalled both sad and happy memories.

“You know, I’ve had some really good moments, I’ve had some memorable moments and I’ve had some sad moments,” she said. “When I was a principal, we lost seven children to car wrecks and one had cancer. You know, I still think about those parents daily.”

Hubbard recalled a happier moment during the 1980’s when she taught a fifth grade boy from Africa. She said this boy was precious, and had actually been in a war. His parents had traveled here for religious work while he stayed with his grandparents until the war broke out and separated them. After living, possibly, on his own for nearly two years, he was sent here by the Red Cross and reunited with his parents. Hubbard said she kept up with the family for a few years and that they eventually moved to Boston.

In the late 1990’s, Hubbard said she decided to take on a second job besides being a principal. With the aid of a fellow educator, who was also a friend, she learned and developed a curriculum to teach adults how to read. She continued this until 2008 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hubbard said she remains best friends with many she taught, and said adults can be productive by knowing how to read at a fourth grade level.

On her work with special education students, Hubbard said it is very rewarding. Noting that much of the work is to aid in certain subjects. Likewise, with CDC students, she said there is success daily. A big focus in special education is transition, where students learn job and life skills.

“I’ve always believed that everybody can learn,” she said. “None of us learn on the same level. We all learn differently, but everyone can learn.”

On her decision to become an educator, Hubbard said she has no regrets, and expressed her love for Carter County, which is her home.

In addition to her life as an educator, she is also a wife, mother to one son and a grandmother to her granddaughter, who is three. Hubbard said she and her two brothers live with their families on the family farm and are very close knit. She made the decision to retire to spend more time with her husband, who retired five years ago, and her granddaughter before she begins school in two years.

To Carter County Schools, Hubbard expressed gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful years. She loves Carter County Schools. To her students, she wishes them nothing but the best in life.

“I love them and I wish them the best,” she said. “I hope life treats them well, and I hope I’ve made a difference.”