Erica Decuir

Inspiration: As a teacher educator, I believe the best way to improve K-12 education in fragile communities is to diversify the teacher pipeline. This includes recruiting among community-based organizations with a deep commitment to fragile communities, removing bureaucratic hurdles that limit the number of prospective teachers of color, and experiential learning from business, community, and educational leaders outside of the classroom. My desire to diversify the teacher pipeline is my inspiration to conduct research on K-12 education, particularly for fragile communities of color.

The Center for Educational Opportunity is an essential partner in my research efforts because it embraces innovative models for improving K-12 education beyond traditional public schooling. My work demonstrates how community-based and non-profit entities can work outside of the school system (but in partnership with it) to improve learning outcomes for our most vulnerable student populations--Black boys. Fragile communities have human resources that can be operationalized to support schoolchildren and meet their needs. Schools and school systems must link more closely with their community partners to expand educational opportunities and diversify the teacher pipeline. The Center supports community-based solutions for improving K-12 education, which aligns to my own research efforts.

Quote: "If you surround yourself with people who lift you up, then you will never fall." - Erica DeCuir

Book. The Mis-Education of the Negro - Carter G. Woodson