A Servant’s Heart: Social Worker Tera Reid Recognized as Educational Support Professional II of the Year
Eagle Woods Academy social worker Tera Reid has always had a servant’s heart. For 25 years, she has worked to help and find positive solutions for the marginalized. Her commitment to serving has led her to be named the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) 2024–2025 Educational Support Professional II of the Year. Ms. Reid was honored during the District’s 11th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards Gala last November.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized as the District’s Educational Support Professional II of the Year,” said Ms. Reid. “I am surrounded by numerous deserving and respected colleagues in this field, and being selected as the winner feels like a culmination of my professional journey.”
Ms. Reid has worked as a social worker in various agencies serving schools, social services, juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS awareness, mental health, and sexually exploited children. She takes to heart the quote, “To whom much is given, much is required,” which has guided her in her career.
“Although I did not come from a privileged background, I was blessed with a nurturing environment and numerous opportunities provided by my family and community,” said Ms. Reid. “When I recognized that those same opportunities are not afforded to all, particularly the most vulnerable, it spoke to my desire to dedicate myself to helping others reach their full potential.”
Ms. Reid has worked for DCSD and at Eagle Woods Academy since 2013. She loves Eagle Woods Academy and enjoys the surprises and tackling challenges that are not part of her daily duties. She said the most rewarding aspect of being a social worker is the knowledge she has contributed to improving someone’s life, even in a small way.
“Our students have often experienced unspeakable trauma and mental health challenges that are difficult for most to comprehend,” she said. “Building strong relationships with my students and their families and assisting them in overcoming these challenges brings me joy.”
Social work can be a challenging profession, given the complex nature of the work and the people they serve. Although she does not consistently see immediate success in her career, Ms. Reid still finds her job rewarding because of the opportunity to make a difference and positively impact someone.
“Even if I do not consistently witness the outcomes of my efforts, I hold onto the belief that eventually, some words of encouragement I shared or skills I imparted will resonate with my students and contribute positively to their lives,” she said. “Ultimately, I aspire for my legacy to be encapsulated in the phrase, ‘Ms. Reid taught me that.’”
