The impact of an educator leaves a lasting impression on all the lives they touch in a community, from students and teachers to families and friends.
For Deputy Superintendent Terrie McNabb, her 36 years in education has left a lasting impact on the Aubrey ISD community that the district honored with a retirement and school dedication ceremony on Dec. 19.
“So, we’re here today to celebrate … my retirement, but to me, we’re celebrating a community coming together to make a difference for kids,” she said. “The lessons that I have learned from each of you have carried me 36 years.”
Her mark was left permanently in the hearts and minds of Aubrey as the former Aubrey Middle School at 815 West Sherman Drive was renamed in her honor to become the Terrie McNabb Middle School.
The community gathered to show support for McNabb with a heartfelt celebration filled with laughter and tears, and the speakers who retold their cherished memories of McNabb, especially her love of high heels.
The guest of honor shared what this event meant to her.
“What I hope you feel, but what I can’t possibly say in words, is an indebted point of gratitude for each one of you, for each of you who shaped my career and gave us so much meaning,” she said.
McNabb continued, sharing her perspective about what kept her in education for her entire career.
“I’ve learned that life is a whole lot better when the people you work with aren’t just colleagues, but they’re your friends,” she said. “And I can’t possibly mention all the new friendships that I’ve made and all of the things that I’ve learned from each of you. Only know that this family is large and the meaning is deep.” Deborah Sanders, a retired educator and former Aubrey ISD superintendent, worked with McNabb for 27 years, she said.
Sanders spoke about McNabb’s caring nature both in the classroom and outside it.
“Terrie has a passion for serving others,” she said. “I wasn’t surprised last week when I was talking with her, and she said she had to go to training so that she could start her new volunteer service at Meals on Wheels. That will be one of her first volunteer projects. … You have made a difference in so many lives. Thank you, sweet friend.”
Along with the speeches, the Terrie McNabb Middle School choir performed.
McNabb was also presented with a U.S. flag and a special congressional certificate of recognition from U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill, Texas Congressional District 26-R.
AISD school board trustee Trey Duncan, who was a new teacher within the district in the early 2000s, worked with McNabb and Aubrey ISD Superintendent Dr. Shannon Saylor at the start of his career.
In his speech, he recalled McNabb’s advice to him, saying that if it wasn’t for her, Duncan said, he didn’t know if he would have continued to teach.
“There’s been some great words to use to describe you, but the word I would use is unreplaceable,” he said.
That was because of the way she supported her fellow educators, nurturing young teachers to understand that they had the room to be imperfect and to grow for their students throughout their careers.
He said he was grateful for McNabb for “everything you’ve done for me to make me better and appreciate how important this job is, and how getting better on a yearly basis is not something to be ashamed of.”
“It’s something to embrace with your support,” Duncan said.
