Teri Thaemert, PhD

As area director for Timberline schools in Boise, Dr. Teri Thaemert leads with an unfailing moral compass, and a depth of experience and wisdom that is tough to match, according to fellow area director for Borah schools, Becca Anderson.

The Boise School District is organized with four areas, called quadrants, that each include 11 to 14 schools. The area directors provide guidance and support to schools in their “quad” while helping to shape decisions for the entire district.

Thaemert has been an area director for seven years; before that she was the content supervisor for math in the Boise School District.

While mentoring school administrators, Thaemert also has a top-notch reputation as being one of the strongest principals in the district herself. She served eight years as principal at North Junior High, three years at Jefferson Elementary and four years as assistant principal at East Junior High School. That’s before spending nine years as a secondary math teacher.

“It’s been an honor to serve the Boise School District for 34 years,” she says.

In her role as mathematics supervisor, she worked to help teachers improve their approach to teaching math, understand common core standards, and make those standards meaningful to students and parents. “Math is a subject I love, and I enjoyed helping students make sense of a subject that many fear and dislike.”

To say that Thaemert is passionate about education is an understatement ― she knew she wanted to be a math teacher when she was still in high school. Since then, she has earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in educational administration, educational specialist degree and a doctorate in educational administration, all from the University of Idaho.

Thaemert has participated in every Women’s Fitness Celebration for more than 20 years, serving as ambassador in 2012. She recently served as a member of the Parent Council of the College of Idaho and currently serves on the Executive Council of the Boise School District. She is also a two-time Woman of the Year awardee from the Idaho Business Review, honored in 2013 and 2021.

Throughout her career as an educator, Thaemert has exemplified the qualities of a true leader, according to Tammy Burks, principal at Boise Online School. Compassionate and calm, Thaemert’s reflective nature allows her to ask the right questions, foster meaningful dialogue, and guide others toward thoughtful, evidence-based decisions.

“Teri Thaemert is a woman who exemplifies true leadership through her exceptional ability to listen, connect and offer support,” says Annetta Brooks, Dallas Harris Elementary principal. “She makes those around her feel seen and heard, taking the time to understand differing perspectives before making decisions.”

Anderson agrees. “Teri is a terrific educator and more importantly, a terrific human.”