Terry Thomas was born in Minnesota and raised in Saudi Arabia, Colorado and Italy. After high school, she attended Colorado State University where she earned her English degree and teaching certificate. With these credentials, Terry and her science-teacher husband worked in international schools for over 20 years, teaching middle and high school students in Korea, Guam, Qatar, Belgium, Venezuela and Colombia. While in Venezuela, Terry took advantage of distance learning offerings at the University of North Texas and completed a Library Science master's degree in 2009. Adding the Library Science Master's helped Terry expand her view of what and how to teach. More than ever, students need skills that will allow them to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically.
Terry joined the faculty at La Europa in July 2020 and could not be happier. She loves the small class sizes, the students' willingness to take academic risks and the professionalism of her colleagues. Terry believes that a solid literary foundation encompassing fiction, nonfiction, novels, short stories, poetry, prose, drama and nonprint media is critical to becoming a well-rounded student, a strong writer and an informed citizen. Students can have choices when it comes to reading, but should also be encouraged to tackle complex texts that challenge beliefs and stretch comprehension. Exposure to literary works that span cultures, genres and time periods serves to help us better understand ourselves, be more empathetic to others and appreciate the power of words in our lives.
After their world travels, Terry and her family settled in Utah for the opportunity to be closer to family members. In addition to literature, Terry is passionate about fitness and teaches a strength-training class (when her gym is open!). She enjoys crossword puzzles, jogging and scuba diving.
