I had the honor of working with Erica on a daily basis.  As a 4th grade ELL teacher, I have team taught and collaborated with Erica every day for two years.  Her gifts of true caring, organization and the quality of her instruction in a difficult urban environment makes her an excellent teacher.

Over the course of a year, I watched her students grow into responsive, independent learners.  Her rapport and genuine love of students have created a caring, cooperative and supportive environment for student learning.   During the week students engage in hands-on, standards based instruction.  Instead of filling out worksheets, students are creating projects that show relevance to the instruction and their lives.

I saw Erica take an active roll in the lives of students at our school.  She connects with parents and communicates both the challenges and successes of their child.  This connection creates a vital link between parent, teacher, and child.  Students who have walked into her class in September behind academically and emotionally unstable find stability in the classroom.  Students leave her class with self-confidence and academic readiness.  

On a personal level, I have worked as a teaching partner with Erica every day.  It has been a joy to plan lessons and teach with her.  Erica's creativity, sense of humor and organization are natural qualities that make our team teaching so effortless.

Students, parents and teachers at our school respect Erica as a caring, hard-working individual.  She has years of experience working with children in a difficult environment, an excellent relationship with students, and a gifted ability as a teacher.