Beginning as a classroom teacher, Teresa Branch went on to serve as an assistant principal and principal, as a leadership coach for the NC New Schools Project (supporting school leaders in Caldwell, Cumberland, Durham, Surry, Wayne, Wilkes and Yadkin counties), and as executive director of Caldwell County Smart Start, where she expanded early childhood initiatives. She is currently a school board member of Caldwell County Schools. She earned an associate degree from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, as well as bachelor’s, master’s and education specialist degrees from Appalachian State University. She is a lifelong resident of Caldwell County and a proud graduate of its public schools.