Dr. Teresa W. Ragland attended Western Michigan University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Master’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education, and an Administrative Certification in Education Leadership. She received a PhD in Theology at the Touch of Love Theological Institute.
She has conducted a plethora of workshops and provided professional development in educational leadership, teaching and learning, and coaching for leaders throughout the state of Alabama with Alabama State Department of Education where she served as a Principal Coach and Regional Partner for various school districts. She served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal for Birmingham City Schools. She was named Teacher of the Year and Principals of the Year in her school district. She retired with 27 years of service from the Birmingham Board of Education as the Principal of Carrie A.Tuggle Elementary School on July 1, 2015.
Dr. Teresa Ragland was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at fifteen years of age and was ordained to preach the gospel at age seventeen. She is the Pastor of Upper Room Fellowship Church. While serving 48 years faithfully in ministry, she has served as a Choir Director, Musician, Youth & Young Adult Ministry Leader; she has conducted workshops and choreographed for Liturgical Dance Ministries, Director of Women’s Ministry, and as an Assistant Pastor. She has mentored and ordained ministers and deacons. She has conducted workshops, conferences, ministry training, membership training, in church leadership and ministry wide development. She has traveled throughout the United States and spanned the globe spreading the gospel teaching and preaching in such countries as England, France, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Thailand, Taiwan, and China.
Dr. Teresa W. Ragland is founder and President of the Upper Room Theological Leadership Institute.
Upper Room Fellowship Church is a church that emphasizes strong biblical truths and Christian family values, with two locations, Birmingham and Fairfield, Alabama. The members of this loving church, affectionately calls her Pastor. Her affirmation is expressed through Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind of the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captive and release from darkness for the prisoner.” Pastor Ragland’s spiritual philosophy is taken from Psalms 118:24, “This is the day the Lord hath made let us rejoice and be glad in it”.
Dr. Teresa W. Ragland is married to Dr. Douglas L. Ragland, and they reside in Birmingham, Alabama.