LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Erica Nurse was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

"I have watched her grow to the educator she is today and had the opportunity to read her Master's thesis, 'K-8 Title One Children Beat the Odds Through a Different Beat,'" said the nominator. "Erica has done a considerable amount of research on Kodaly methodology. Her research sample consisted of fourth-grade students, where African Americans were the largest cohort. She prepared consistent data and made modifications as needed. She was a full-time fourth-grade teacher, and she was simultaneously responsible for academic subject timelines."

Throughout her study of music, Ms. Nurse became familiar with many genres. Her thesis research showed that Kodaly and other theorists stressed the importance of heritage and cultures, along with the inclusion of other genres. Her thesis also proved that Kodaly was a viable literacy intervention. Students exposed to Kodaly had, on average, 90 lexiles of growth in the Standardized Reading Test. Her lessons also gave the students cultural capital and equity in pursuing academic music studies.

"I have observed her elementary music classes. The enthusiasm and positive behavior are evident as her students look forward to classes," said the nominator. "Erica's research would be most valuable for administrators and teachers, and I hope she will have opportunities to present her research and ideas. A scholarship would be well-deserved as she continues to pursue her career in inner-city schools."