In countless classrooms, conferences and conversations, I am reminded of the importance of Early Childhood education. In fact, how well we educate our tiniest learners is pushing to the global forefront of our highest priorities. With this in mind, our students are best served when their teachers are effectively prepared. Enter, #Dreamcatcher Erica Andrews, a premiere Teacher Leader Program Coordinator who equips educators while demonstrating unparalleled enthusiasm.
Erica is among several passionate educators who energized my own journey by virtue of her commitment and charisma. Spending countless hours creating, collaborating, coaching and training, she brings years of personal experience as a teacher coupled with research-based practices to guide those who are serving on the front line. What resonates with me most is Erica’s no-nonsense, but nurturing support for teachers.
Often, data analysis and evaluation are perceived as leverage to tell staff everything they did wrong. Erica views these tools instead as opportunities to glow and grow. With her guidance, teachers are reminded of the importance of student-centered teaching, but encouraged to strive for professional success in a manner that allows them to devise dreams (with their creativity) and catch them (with strategy and structure).
The result? Teachers throughout the city are elated as students’ performance skyrockets along side their own. Erica’s unprecedented impact has changed the learning trajectory for many of the most challenged early learners. Her passion inspires me to work even harder at making a difference for all of our children!
To find out what inspires our June #Dreamcatcher, read from her own heart in the responses below. Congratulations, Erica Andrews! You are paving the way for future greatness!
What do you feel are your personal and/or professional callings? How did you know?
My calling now is to help and serve people. It is also to motivate others to be who God has called them to be and to know what He has put in them. I have always had the ability to build relationships with people. Random strangers have walked up to me and began talking and sharing their life. As a professional, I make it a point to share life nuggets with my teachers whenever I have the opportunity. I have been very fortunate to have people pour into me, and I believe you must be the change you want to see in the world.
What was the defining moment that compelled you to choose this direction? What cemented your passion?
I never thought I would be an educator, but clearly God purposed this for me. Many years ago, my father and I were talking, and he advised me to make sure I got a job where my weekends and holidays were off. There were many nuggets of wisdom dropped during that conversation! Afterword, I reflected and spoke with one other person and then made the decision to obtain my teacher’s certification.
Regarding my passion, I have always been a loyal and caring person since childhood; but honestly speaking, my family made the biggest difference. I come from a family where giving was instilled in me. Giving doesn’t always imply monetarily. It also includes time, knowledge (wisdom), self, etc. As an educator, I have been privileged to give so much more than just monetary gifts to my students and teachers. I have provided things that are priceless, and for that I feel awesome!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Believe it or not, I am shy!
If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?
Be the change you would like to see in the world – being nice costs you nothing!
When people see what you’re striving for, what would you want them to keep in mind? What can they do to help support this cause?
I’d want them to know that they can achieve it, too. To support this cause, make a conscious effort everyday to be better than the day before.
Dr. Carla Michelle Brown * Speaker * author * Educator 