North Augusta Middle School is proud to welcome Mrs. Terra van der Linden as its new Principal. A familiar and respected leader in Aiken County Public Schools, van der Linden brings more than two decades of experience in education and a deep personal connection to the school and community she now serves.
“This role is deeply personal for me,” van der Linden shared. “North Augusta Middle School is where I began my career as an educator 23 years ago. It’s truly an honor to come full circle and now lead this school community that has shaped so much of who I am.”
A lifelong North Augusta resident and proud graduate of Aiken County Public Schools, van der Linden is uniquely positioned to uphold the traditions and values of the Jackets community. As both a former student and teacher at North Augusta Middle, her return is not only a professional milestone but also a homecoming.
Throughout her 23-year career in Aiken County Public Schools, van der Linden has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in both middle and elementary school settings. She taught sixth grade math for more than a decade at both North Augusta Middle and Paul Knox Middle, where she also served as a grade-level team leader and mentor teacher. Her school leadership experience includes serving as Principal of Redcliffe Elementary and Assistant Principal at Redcliffe, Paul Knox Middle, and Millbrook Elementary, where she most recently served before her appointment to North Augusta Middle.
“My career has been focused on building strong school cultures, supporting academic growth, and leading with a student-centered mindset,” she said. “These experiences have prepared me to lead North Augusta Middle with a balance of instructional leadership, relationship building, and a strong focus on student success.”
Van der Linden’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Arts in Education from Columbia College, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from Augusta State University.
Her career achievements include recognition as North Augusta Middle School’s Teacher of the Year and a recent nomination to Aiken County’s Assistant Principal of the Year Honor Court, reflecting both her instructional expertise and her ability to build strong, supportive school communities.
Van der Linden is especially excited to serve the students of North Augusta Middle while working alongside its talented staff and engaged families. “This school has a strong tradition of excellence, and I’m committed to building on that foundation,” she said. “Together, we’ll create an environment where every student is challenged, supported, and celebrated.”
When asked about her vision for the school community, van der Linden emphasized her collaborative approach: “I am committed to listening, learning, and leading. I truly believe that when schools, families, and communities partner together, great things happen for students.”
Outside of school, van der Linden enjoys traveling and exploring new destinations with her husband. They have one son, a graduate of Clemson University, and remain loyal Clemson Tiger fans.
As she steps into this new role, van der Linden is honored to give back to the community that shaped her and looks forward to leading North Augusta Middle School into its next chapter of success.