Staff Spotlight: Achieve Academy of Harrisburg’s Terence Wiggins Shaping Students Lives

At Achieve Academy of Harrisburg, School Director Terence Wiggins is more than an administrator – he’s a mentor, leader, and champion for student success. With over 30 years of working in education, he’s an expert at helping students push beyond their comfort zones while ensuring they feel valued and supported.

Over the past 10 years at Achieve Academy, Mr. Wiggins rose from behavior specialist to school director. Named Campus Staff of the Year in 2023, he is dedicated to fostering an environment where students thrive.

Originally on track to become a police officer, his path shifted in college when he discovered his passion for working with students facing academic and behavioral challenges. For Mr. Wiggins, the greatest reward is seeing students succeed against the odds.

He keeps in touch with many former students, including six from his first year – one recently passed her nursing exam, and others return to express gratitude.

“We love them when they needed to be loved and push them when they needed to be pushed,” he said. “Seeing their success makes it all worthwhile.”

Mr. Wiggins prioritizes strong relationships with students, families, and staff. He communicates regularly with parents, celebrating achievements and addressing challenges. His leadership extends to teachers, whom he mentors and empowers to grow professionally.

A Pittsburgh native now living in Coatesville, he commutes three hours round-trip daily, driven by dedication to Harrisburg’s students. A former college football player, he values teamwork, discipline, and leading by example. “Actions speak louder than words,” he said. “If I model the right way, they’ll see a better way to serve kids.”

For Mr. Wiggins, education is a calling. He treats every student as his own, offering both guidance and discipline. “I honestly love these kids,” he said. “And I’m not ashamed to tell them.”

His impact is clear in students who return to thank him, parents who credit him with changing their child’s life, and a community he serves tirelessly. As graduation approaches, he looks forward to seeing another class cross the stage, knowing he helped shape their future.