Terra Hancock (right) became the new Union County superintendent on July 1. Submitted photo
Growing up, teaching and living in Union County her whole life made the role of superintendent for the Union County school district even more rewarding for Terra Hancock.
“This is my home and I want what’s best for it,” said Hancock.
Over the past 20 years, Hancock has served in various positions for Union County. Before she became superintendent, she was a high school math teacher, worked in an alternative school, spent time as a guidance counselor and did some curriculum specialist work at one of the elementary schools in the district. Hancock also served as principal at Earle C. Clements Victory Technical High School before beginning her role as superintendent on July 1.
Union County is not only the district that Hancock serves now, but the district where she attended school and the only district where she has ever taught. Having such close ties with her community is something that Hancock sees as an advantage to her position.
“I think some people are kind of annoyed when they go to Walmart and they’re like, ‘Yeah, I just want to get my groceries,’” she said. “But I’m like, ‘Oh, there’s my kid from here!’ And ‘Hey, mom’ and ‘Good to see you!’”
Hancock said she enjoys seeing students and parents out in her community. Growing up and living where she works gives Hancock a connection to her community that she not only cherishes but believes is important to her role as superintendent.
“I think that connection needs to be strong to keep both school and community strong and working together,” she said.
In addition to her connection to the people in her district, Hancock explains that student involvement is crucial to the connection between community and schools. There is no better voice to express students’ needs than their own.
“When a kid says, ‘Hey, kids need this,’ I hope we continue to listen,” she said.
It is Hancock’s belief that students deserve a school where they feel not only safe but also engaged in. She wants them to be involved both academically and non-academically, with the curricular and extracurricular activities her district provides and the faculty in Union County.
“I firmly believe that we can teach anyone anything when they have strong core values as a foundation,” she said. “And I’m so grateful to see those values reflected in so many on our UCPS (Union County Public Schools) team.”
Hancock said that the faculty and staff deserve the same safe and supportive environment that students do. She notes teachers are the ones who put in work outside of the classroom so the inside can run smoothly. Hancock’s goal is to make her position visible and easy to approach to contribute to this effort.
If there is one message that Hancock could send to her community, it would be that she is just like them. She says that her door is always open, and she hopes that people feel comfortable coming to her.
“I’m a kid at heart who believes in having fun while fostering an environment where students can thrive,” Hancock said. “After all, who says you can’t mix a little laughter with learning?”
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