Terrie Langston Joins the Apple Corps
Story Submitted by Gregg Faith, LISD Public Information Officer
      

In the words of the September 2007 Apple Corps Inductee, “First grade is where it all happens”. From the introduction to basic concepts to the ultra-important world of reading, in the first grade classroom students step out of the pre-game warm-up of Pre-K and Kindergarten and head straight into the ballgame. Teaching first grade is a formidable task because it is where you must first introduce students to the learning methods and ideas that will guide and direct them through the next 12 years. Like it or not, the first grade teacher is vital in setting students on a path that can either make them love learning, or fight it every step of the way. For the past fourteen years, Terrie Langston, of Pine Ridge Elementary has created students who love learning in her first grade classroom and her success and enthusiasm has landed her amongst Livingston ISD’s finest. 

Terrie Langston is a latecomer to the world of education. She received a degree in Psychology from Northwestern University and worked for several years as a children’s director at First Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas and a Pre-School Director in Paris, Texas. At the age of 35, she decided she wanted to enter the classroom and obtained her teaching certificate from Stephen F. Austin University.  She then joined the staff of Pine Ridge Elementary, hired by Danny Tinney.

Terrie has been married to her husband Cecil Langston for 31 years. Cecil works at First National Bank and is in charge of Church Street Financial. They have three wonderful children, Jayme, Derek, and Scott. Jayme and her husband Chris have three children, Dylan, Zachary and Tanner, all of which Terrie and Cecil are proud to brag about. Derek currently works for Homeland Security following four years in the U.S. Navy. Scott is attending school at Blynn, and all three of Terrie’s children graduated from Livingston High School.

Originally, Terrie intended to teach for only ten years and then quit. Now in her fourteenth year, all in the exact same room, she sees her career as one of the joys in her life. She loves her campus, her students, and her co-workers and has become a vital part of what makes Pine Ridge an Exemplary campus. Terrie describes her teaching style as one of compassion and comfort. She says that in order for her students to be successful, she wants them to feel safe and welcome in her room. She hugs each and every one of them upon arrival and makes sure they know, that regardless of the outside world, they are safe and able to learn within the comfortable sanctuary of Mrs. Langston’s room. Terrie sees the challenge of a first grade teacher to be turning on the light bulb in every student’s mind, and no matter how brightly lit or dimly lit, figuring out what it is that will make that child successful in the years to come.

Terrie has served on her campus as a grade-level chairman, member of the Relay for Life team, campus advisory committee, drug free committee, and has coached UIL Reading. She is known for her positive demeanor with co-workers and her willingness to take on difficult projects and assignments.

During her free time Terrie and her husband are seasoned followers of the LSU tigers, traveling to watch their team play and support them toward a national championship.

Dr. Janel Sewell, Principal of PRE said this, “Mrs. Langston is a leader on our campus.  She serves not only as grade level chair, but is an active part of the campus CORE TEAM, a decision making group that functions in conjunction with the Campus Advisory Committee.  Terrie is a master at beginning reading and writing instruction and serves and assists the first grade team in providing solid instruction for Pine Ridge students.  Mrs. Langston works diligently to move students forward, encouraging them to do their best.”

For the past 14 years, Terrie Langston has made the lives of her students extraordinary and provided a warm and positive experience for those around her. She is a strong leader, an exceptional classroom teacher, and the September 2007 inductee to the Livingston ISD Apple Corps.

Posted - September 19, 2007