Terry Wade is known as one of the nicest people in Collin County—and one of their hardest-working conservative leaders. From her students to fellow grassroots activists, Terry’s dedication and enthusiasm inspire others to be their best.
Terry was born in Odessa but grew up in Oklahoma City. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, she moved back to Texas and began her teaching career.
“My students and I have fun, but we have fun my way,” says Terry, who teaches physical education to elementary school students in Richardson ISD. “I run a pretty tight ship.”
Terry brings that same attitude and energy to grassroots activism. She says she started paying attention to politics with the emergence of the Tea Party in 2009.
“I realized I couldn’t complain about what was going on unless I got involved and educated myself on the issues,” she said.
Terry’s involvement started as a new tea party volunteer helping plan Collin County’s first Tea Party Labor Day Rally in Frisco. Since then, she’s worked on numerous candidate campaigns, organized local events, and taken on the responsibility of serving as a Collin County GOP precinct chair and House District 67 chair.
She also co-founded Amigos de Patriots and is now in her third year as president of Collin County Conservative Republicans.
As a teacher and a committed conservative, Terry says she’s motivated to stay involved because she has a deep concern for the future of our country and our youth:
“We are slowly losing our liberties because of the dumbing down of education. One of my hopes for America is that conservatives will take control of the education system that has become progressive sewage and restore the basics that have been replaced with common core nonsense.”
A tireless worker, Terry’s commitment and contagious optimism motivate others to get involved too—and that’s her goal: to grow an energized, enthusiastic base of volunteers and voters in Collin County. She also aims to help recruit go-getters to fill vacant precinct chair positions, bring more young people into the Republican political fold, and develop potential leaders.
On top of that, Terry consistently holds elected officials accountable.
Her peers have recognized Terry’s many talents and contributions to the conservative cause. This year she received a Conservative Leader Award from Empower Texans and was named State Republican Executive Committee Volunteer of the Year for Senate District 8.
Terry encourages others who want to make a difference to take one step at a time.
“Be around positive, energetic people with a vision; find someone you respect and who would serve as a good mentor,” she said. “Collin County has over 20 Republican clubs; club hop until you find one that best suits your personality.”
Terry and Rick, her husband of 20 years who she describes as “smart and supportive,” live in Plano with their rescue dog Kimber. When she’s not teaching, volunteering on a campaign, organizing an event, or leading a meeting, Terry says she loves to go junking. “I like finding junk and turning it into someone’s treasure.”
For the energizing enthusiasm she brings to all she does, Terry is a treasured leader in Collin County’s conservative community.
