Theresa Venable

Theresa Venable, a dedicated educator with over three decades of experience, brings a fresh perspective to the Anderson County School Board. 

Her journey in education began as a teacher in the Anderson County School System and the Oak Ridge School System, where she taught elementary and middle school grades for 31 years. 

Her commitment to children’s education extended beyond the classroom, as she also served as a librarian in the renowned Langston Hughes Library at the historic Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, TN. 

Theresa’s extensive experience and dedication to education make her a valuable addition to our local school board.

“I think I will offer a unique perspective as a school board member,” Theresa has said. “I’ve been a teacher and a parent with children in the school system.” 

Among the critical roles in which she was involved was listening to parents and hearing what they believe is essential in their child’s education. 

Theresa comes from a family of educators. Her parents were public school teachers. Her father was also an assistant elementary school principal. Her maternal aunts were schoolteachers. Theresa believes this family background helped shape her positive, unique perspective of the educational system. 

The motto of the Anderson County School System is “Every Student, Every Day.” Theresa desires to help the school system live up to that adage.

 “As a strong school board member, I can assist the school system in many ways to ensure that this motto is fulfilled so that each student’s needs are met.”

Theresa earned a BS in Elementary Education and an MS in Information Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 

She taught at Norris Elementary, Norris, TN; Elm Grove and Cedar Hill Elementary Schools; and Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. 

Theresa also operated a state-licensed day care center. After retiring from teaching. 

Theresa worked with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), a national nonprofit focused on well-being and racial justice for children and youth. 

Theresa also served as Programs Coordinator for Haley Farm. “My job at CDF Haley Farm allowed me to work with young people from around the country in the nationally acclaimed CDF Freedom Schools® program.” Theresa retired from CDF in 2022.

Now, Theresa serves on the Blue-Ribbon Book Selection Committee of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL), which provides books to the international community. The DPIL mails books monthly to children from birth to age five at no cost to families. Thousands of books are mailed each month in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland.

Theresa Venable’s active involvement in the community is a testament to her commitment to public service. She has served on various local boards, including the Anderson County Library Board, Girls Inc. Board of the Tennessee Valley, Clinch River Home Health Board, and the Pre-K Council of Anderson County Board. 

Her membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which awards college scholarships to local high school students, further demonstrates her dedication to the community. 

Theresa’s community involvement ensures that she is well-equipped to represent the interests of the local community on the Anderson County School Board.

Theresa’s vision for the Anderson County School Board is one in which the board is actively involved in assisting the school system in its “Every Student, Every Day” motto. 

Every student is important, and every student’s needs are addressed. When we put children first, we make sure that no child is overlooked or underserved.