Erica Perron
Erica Perron is an accomplished educator and Adjunct Professor at Delaware Technical Community College, where she teaches in the English Department at the Wilmington campus. With over 18 years of experience in English and Elementary Education, she has dedicated her career to inspiring students and fostering a love for literature. Erica also serves as the Senior English teacher and English Department Chair at Delaware Military Academy in the Red Clay Consolidated School District, where she applies her expertise in curriculum development and classroom management to support diverse learners. Her professional philosophy centers on creating engaging and effective learning environments while continuously embracing new teaching methods and educational technologies. At the heart of her approach is the belief that all students must have access to an education that promotes opportunities that educate and open the mind of the 'whole student' by integrating rigorous foundation skills, with continued opportunities for contemporary literacies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-engaged learning.
Erica holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from Bridgewater State University, specializing in English and Elementary Education. Her academic background, coupled with extensive hands-on teaching experience, has equipped her with strong skills in educational leadership, tutoring, and instructional design. Throughout her career, she has been committed to lifelong learning, believing that educators must continually evolve to meet the needs of their students and prepare them for future success.
Before her work in education, Erica also cultivated a background in the performing arts, performing with American Music Theatre and Hershey Park Entertainment. This experience in performance and public presentation contributes to her dynamic classroom presence and ability to engage learners. Outside the classroom, she actively shares insights on teaching practices, learning strategies, and the evolving role of technology in education, reflecting her dedication to fostering critical thinking and meaningful learning experiences for all students.
• Delaware Institute For Excellence in Early Childhood- Eary Childhood School-Age Credential
• Delaware First: Delacare Early Childhood Adminstrator Credentials
• Teacher of Early Childhood Education (Brith to Grade 2)
• Teacher of Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
• Teacher of Secondary English Language Arts (Grades 6-8 and 9-12)
• Bridgewater State University - BS
• Bridgewater State University - M.Ed.
What do you attribute your success to?
Every setback has become a stepping stone to propel me forward to the next chapter because I have always tried never to forget where I came from or how it felt for "little me" growing up. I always try to be the teacher I needed when I was growing up. I continually tell my students that it is all about perspective. Each of us is carrying around an invisible backpack, and inside are all the things that make us who we are. We can give up or get up from the things that challenge us. There is value in always getting up.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My very first year of teaching, my mentor told me that you can't do it all in one day or be everything to everybody, but you just might be the one person to that that certain student on the day they need it the most. So, never stop doubting your 'superhero status'. I truly believe that. Challenges and choices equal our character, so in those toughest moments, who will we choose to be?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn to say 'no'- In the nicest way possible...to your students, your colleagues, your Principal, and your parents' of your students. Having boundaries is the most important form of self-respect and healthy self-love. Even after all these years I am still working on being consistent at this.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the misconception of the 'teacher shortage'. There is not necessarily a teacher shortage as there is so much a retention issue. I know so many amazing educators both veteran and new who are leaving the field because the perception of what we do is so skewed based on the political climate and the lack of value of the educator's voice. As a whole, society and the community need to recognize the worth of that voice and the expertise it reflects in our profession and listen to what we have to say and know about what we do.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, kindness, trustworthiness, and integrity- Be a good human! Without these things you may have money, looks, status, fancy clothes, material things, but you're just a shell without substance. You're only as good as your word, so do good and be good. Shakespeare said "Love all, trust a few, and do wrong to none."