Erika graduated with her Young Adult Education licensure in 2023. She then worked for several months as a substitute teacher in Reynoldsburg City Schools and Columbus City Schools.
Joining Hands Award -- Excellence in Student Teaching (Otterbein Univeristy, 2023)
Mary Cramer Award --- Excellence in Writing (Otterbein University, 2023)
Substitute Teaching:
K-12 | Reynoldsburg City Schools and Columbus City Schools (12/2023 - 05/2024)
• Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for students in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Efficiently learned and enforced school policies and expectations in new classrooms each day.
• Effectively managed classroom behavior and maintained a safe and orderly environment.
• Fostered a safe and respectful environment for all students within a limited period of time.
Student Teaching:
12th Grade | Beechcroft High School, Columbus, Ohio (08-2023 -12/2023)
• Completed 600 hours of intensive student teaching in a 12th grade English classroom with 50+ diverse students
• Planned and taught 2 units on Othello and The Metamorphosis focusing on key themes, characterization, and complex argument
• Solo taught for 4 weeks evaluating student understanding of literary devices using formative and summative assessment
• Gained experience with the start to finish process of developing and implementing a unit while adapting for individual learners.
Erika is passionate about queer, female presenting musicians having an active, supportive community. Q to Q is a virtual group that meets monthly to discuss a variety of topics and issues at the intersection of queerness and art in a safe space. She is proud to be the student leader and ambassador for this group of incredible musicians.
Erika considers herself an advocate for the rights of non-human animals. Her essay 'Is Slavery Over? Nope.' was featured at the 2023, 8th Annual Students for Critical Animal Studies Conference. You can watch the conference at the link listed below.
Erika received her Bachelor's in English from Otterbein University in December of 2023. Check out a few of her proudest works during her time in undergraduate below.
In addition to a performer, Erika is an educator, advocate, and writer. These are a few other projects she is working on "off the stage."