T'erra Estes

T'erra Estes

Founder & Executive Director


Teach Not Punish

Tulsa, OK USA


There are gonna be times where you’re gonna feel stagnant. If you know that you have a larger purpose to impact more students on a larger scale—and you develop a plan to do it—you can!

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T'erra Estes

Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.
After high school, I wasn’t entirely sure of what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to work with children.
I began my career in education, influenced by sociology, and found my passion in special education.
I then worked as a behavior interventionist, focusing on positive reinforcement and student strengths.
Inspired by the power of teaching over punishment, I started a Facebook page called Teach Not Punish to share this philosophy.
After a tornado hit Tulsa, Oklahoma, I led a community fundraising effort, reinforcing my commitment to service.
I transitioned to full-time community work, focusing on family needs and educational support in Tulsa.
I received recognition and support for my local philanthropy and expanded my impact to reach youth and families.
As Teach Not Punish grew, I embraced a leadership role, driven by a lifelong mission to empower and educate.
Keep following my journey

Education

High School
Associate's Degree
Sociology
Tulsa Community College
Bachelor
Sociology
Langston University
Graduate
Family Studies
Texas Woman's University

Career

Founder & Executive Director

I empower families and professionals through education and access to vital resources.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Entrepreneurship
Teaching / Mentoring

Day to Day

I start my day diving into our TEAMS program, focusing on family and educator support. I collaborate with schools to understand their needs and create plans that weave in social skills lessons and one-on-one support. As a case manager, I'm also deeply involved in connecting families with community resources, ensuring every child gets the support they need. It's a blend of strategic planning and hands-on involvement that truly makes a difference.