INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Terrance Washington, Windermere Preparatory School

Terrance Washington is a psychology teacher at Windermere Preparatory School. 

Washington teaches IB Psychology and prepares his students to pass the exam in May for their senior year. It’s a two-year course, during which students learn about theories, concepts, terms and studies. 

What brought you to your school? 

Purpose. I was teaching at the college level for 10 years, and I taught at a school that had an accelerated Bachelor’s program. I taught mostly online and sometimes in person. Classes were only one month long. I enjoyed making connections with the students, but they would end so abruptly. Additionally, I wanted to work with the high school population to make a bigger impact and to be a part of a community. Being here for three years has definitely given me a professional purpose that I did not have before. I truly love being here, taking part in all of the school activities, forming relationships with “my kids” and being a supporting character in the metaphorical movie of their life.

What do you love most about your school? 

Windermere Prep is very multicultural. I learn so much from speaking with my kids. We have students from more than 40 countries, and asking them questions about their culture and their countries is so fun. The school also has many events to help families capture memories and commemorate moments. My daughter also attends the school, and I enjoy how many experiences are offered to her through special classes, field trips, etc.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

The relationships with “my kids.” Even though most of them are 16, 17 and 18, I truly view being a high school teacher as an extension of fatherhood. I have two daughters at home and will hopefully be having a third child in the future, and I love being a dad. At times, being a high school teacher feels like I’m a professional dad. Every day when I send my daughters to school, I feel safe with the teacher I’m sending them to. I want to make sure my students feel safe and loved when they are in my classroom. Teaching them content and knowledge is fun and important. However, teaching them life lessons and providing a safe space for them is the purpose of the job.

What drew you to psychology? 

When you go to grad school for psychology, the running joke is “So what’s wrong with you?” Many of us are drawn to psychology to figure out ourselves, our family dynamics and why people make the decisions that they do. Humans are like a book with many chapters. We often meet people in the middle of their story. When that happens, we don’t understand why they make the decisions they do or have the perspective they have. Then we ask questions. And we learn about chapter one. Then it all makes sense. We understand them more and have more compassion and understanding. That’s what drew me to psychology.

What is your favorite Windermere Prep tradition and why? 

I just enjoy going to Homecoming and Prom, seeing all my students happy and dancing. It doesn’t feel like work; it feels like another opportunity to forge bonds.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? 

Mr. Evans. He was a father figure for me at school. On the last day of school my senior year, he put his hands on my shoulders and told me, “If you ever need a father, you give me a call.” It’s moments like that that students remember. That truly impacted me, and I’ll always remember it, more so than the Chemistry knowledge he taught me.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession and why? 

Something similar for sure. Working with youth is fulfilling. It’s the only “job” I would wake up this early for. Calling it a “job” seems inaccurate. It’s an opportunity and a blessing.

Who influences you? 

My family. Being a dad makes me see my flaws. My kids love me endlessly despite those flaws. My mom pushes me to have more opportunities than she had and to make the correct decisions. My wife is always by my side and helps me get through the daily struggles of life.  My students also influence me to be a better teacher and learn the issues of their generation.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I like to play board games with my friends. I’m not talking Monopoly; I’m talking about very heavy strategy games. I go to a board game convention in the summers. I enjoy watching movies, watching the Buffalo Bills and hanging out with my family and friends.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why? 

Josh Allen. I’m a huge Buffalo Bills fan. He’s our quarterback. He and his teammates are our hope to finally get a Super Bowl. Whether we get it or not, it’s his relentless pursuit of this elusive goal that makes him so likeable. He’s humble, likeable, funny, silly and a Hell of a player. I’d love to meet him!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

I’d just like everyone to be happy and have opportunities to live life freely and on their terms. It always strikes me what a role luck plays in our lives. There are so many people who are so unlucky with their circumstances.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why? 

Adele, her voice and her music are moving. Bruno Mars, he has a great voice, great dance moves and really knows how to put on a show. Linkin Park, that was the first concert I ever went to, and it’s very nostalgic.

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

Christmas. It seems like the only time of year everyone is alive and not on autopilot; everyone is excited to be around each other, people are outside, and there is a real sense of community. I love all the cheesy Christmas movies, songs and the joy of the season. Oh! And the food!

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? 

Rob. We met in ninth-grade Earth Science. He was the best man at my wedding, and yes, we are still very much best friends. He’s a doctor in the Navy, and he’s always made me laugh the hardest. We enjoy talking about tennis, football and now our families and daughters. We have 4 daughters between us. Being a girl dad is a defining experience for us both.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? 

I was a swimmer and on the Academic Team (think quiz bowl with buzzers). I graduated with high honors in high school. I was a scholar athlete. I went to UF for undergrad and UCF for grad school. I graduated with high honors from grad school.