LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Eribelka Rodriguez was nominated by her colleague, Angela Sue.

"Erika is a LifeChanger because her impact extends beyond the classroom," said Sue. "We met when I was a student teacher in her classroom the year that COVID-19 took place. I witnessed Erika in action before and after COVID-19, when her classroom, the school, and New York City would change dramatically. She was transparent about her expectations of me in the classroom, her academic expectations, and the fact that her students would come first, no matter what. She cared about everything from her students' food intake, to any food insecurity, to academic rigor. Erika is the reason I am a strong first year teacher starting a career during the pandemic. Her nurturing classroom environment guarantees safety for all students and staff as soon as they step into her room. Everyone has healthy communication when Erika is around, and they know their expectations to serve the students and make sure they are comfortable. In addition, Erika has an amazing arsenal of academic and personal resources, not only to make sure her students are always academically stimulated, but to make sure the staff are comfortable with their positions and know how to support the students."