Dr. Terry Metzger has 35 years experience in education. She has enjoyed a wide variety of experiences in her career, beginning with early childhood and afterschool programs, teaching in middle and elementary school settings, and serving as a school and district administrator. She is currently the Superintendent of Denair Unified School District. Additionally, Terry is passionate about coaching and mentoring new and aspiring educational leaders.

Throughout the COVID pandemic, Dr. Metzger’s primary focus was the mental health and wellbeing of staff and students, including the implementation of social emotional learning and clinical resources and support. In previous roles, Terry successfully led large-scale implementations of high-quality instruction and support for all students, including English Learners and students with disabilities. Strategic planning, program development and oversight, and fostering positive community relations are the focus of her current work.

Dr. Metzger believes that schools must provide students with the skills they need to effectively compete in our global economy. She says, “It is critical for students to apply their learning to solve challenging problems and equally important for them to conduct themselves with integrity as they work with others in college, the workplace, and life. Because students learn in different ways and at different rates, schools should provide a variety of rich opportunities for students to build upon their strengths and connect learning to their lives.” Two current initiatives related to this broad goal are the implementation of equitable grading practices and the development of career technical education pathways.