Teresa is a native of Greenwood, MS. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science from Alcorn State University, an M.A.T. (Elementary Education) and Ed.S in Secndary Education (mathematics from Jackson State University. She is the Mother of Zharia A. Banks-Hemphill. Currently, Teresa is employed with the Jackson Public School District as a Elementary Math Teacher and Team leader at Walton Elementary. Ms. Banks also provides tutorial for Tougaloo Life Violence Prevention Program as a Math Coordinator. Ms. Banks is currently completing her first children’s story, “Then Came Love,” which focuses on rearing children in single parent families. Ms. Banks provides math workshops for Lanier Feeder pattern Elementary Math teachers using thinking maps as toos for improving student’s performance.

Ms. Banks has provided research presentation during JSU International Week. Throughout her teaching, Ms. Banks has gained training through CERTL (Center for Excellence in Research, Technology and Leadership), INTEL to Teach to the future and The Algebra Project.