Cohort 9
Erika Pitts
EDUCATION • Master of Education - Educational Leadership DePaul University • B.A. in Secondary Education History DePaul University
ENROLLED • Cohort 9
LOCATION • Watseka, Ill.
Erika Pitts is an experienced educator with a foundation in history and sociology. Her passion for sustainability was sparked as an undergraduate at DePaul University when she took The Control of Nature in the 20th Century course. Most significant for her was learning how the damming of the Colorado River impacted Mexico to the extent a river delta dried up, destroyed local ecosystems, and devastated communities. The historical lens continues to shape Erika’s view of sustainability. She believes that recognizing the past informs present-day disparities and future solutions. In her current position as a Coordinator and Educator for the Students All Learning Together (SALT) Program, Erika provides a trauma-informed environment designed to re-engage learners facing academic disruption. Her approach integrates tools for self-care and social-emotional learning. She cultivates partnerships with local organizations to ensure students are connected to resources and opportunities beyond the classroom. Erika volunteers with the University of Illinois Extension East Central Illinois Master Naturalist and Master Gardener programs. She was a member of the Master Naturalist Education Committee involved in member engagement. Erika was also a member of the Advisory Committee that developed the Diversifying the Master Naturalist Continuing Education course. As a Master Gardener, Erika grows organic vegetables at the local donation garden. Through her doctoral studies in Educational Sustainability at UW-Stevens Point, Erika seeks to advance her impact by designing equitable, community-rooted projects that foster both educational achievement and long-term community well- being.
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Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability
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