How a Teacher Turned Advocate Reimagines Civic Life in Arizona

A crowded kindergarten room, a sudden crack in the ceiling, and a teacher who jumps first to shield her students—Laura Terech’s story starts with instinct and turns into impact. From art history to Title I classrooms, from a six‑year health battle to the Arizona State House, we explore how a winding path can still lead straight to the heart of public service.

We dig into the moment Arizona cut full‑day kindergarten funding and why early learning time isn’t “just babysitting” but the bedrock of literacy, social growth, and long‑term success. Laura walks us through the call that went unanswered, the decision to take the fight to the Capitol, and the long road back from illness that began with one small act: showing up to volunteer. That habit—care deeply, raise your hand often—opened doors to campaign work, nonprofit policy tracking, and ultimately a seat in a purple district where cooperation wasn’t a slogan but a mandate. You’ll hear how a teacher caucus prepared seven and a half hours for a 30‑minute debate, how bipartisan trust helped pass major policy on water and elections, and how the simple phrase “I hear your passion” can cool a midnight negotiation.

Now, as executive director of Arizona America 250, Laura brings that educator’s mindset to a statewide celebration of the nation’s semi‑quincentennial. We highlight a student town hall with all three branches of government, a traveling museum that will tour the Replica Liberty Bell through all 15 counties, and a pathway to the Seal of Civic Literacy for students. Plus, discover Passport 250—a partnership with the Arizona Office of Tourism featuring 250 sites across the state—and the powerful moment a 17‑year‑old’s winning logo design headed to the Smithsonian. Along the way, we talk about patriotism as something personal: how you show up for neighbors, define community broadly, and make room for everyone in the story.

If you believe small steps can spark big change, press play—and then tell a friend. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your take: what’s one action you’ll take for your community this week?

The Arizona Constitution Project

Check Out Our Free Lessons on Arizona History and Government!

Follow us on:
Twitter
Linked In
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Website

Interested in a Master's Degree? Check out the School of Civic and Economic Leadership's Master's in Classical Liberal Education and Leadership