Ericka Smith

Experienced educator, literacy specialist, and higher education instructor with over 25 years of progressive experience supporting teacher preparation and reading instruction. Skilled in delivering research-based reading methods courses aligned with CAEP and ISBE standards. Proven ability to mentor aspiring educators, design culturally responsive curriculum, and lead clinical field experiences. Committed to preparing future teachers with effective, inclusive strategies for literacy development in diverse elementary classrooms.

• Illinois Reading Council
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
• Illinois Principals Association
• Children of Color Literacy Initiative
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Co-Chair, DEI)
• Essence of Ivy & Pearl Foundation (Vice President)

• Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Hoover-Schrum School District 157, Calumet City, IL, 05/01/23–05/01/24, Led K–8 literacy framework implementation and coached teachers on guided reading practices, Facilitated 20+ PD sessions on evidence-based reading strategies and early intervention, Supported alignment of curriculum with state benchmarks and assessment data
• Principal / Head of Schools / Instructional Specialist, Chicago Public Schools, Foundations College Prep, Kwame Nkrumah Academy, 01/01/07–12/31/22, Supervised instruction across elementary and secondary grades, with strong emphasis on reading outcomes, Mentored novice teachers in lesson planning, instructional delivery, and classroom management, Oversaw literacy interventions and school-wide reading goals leading to measurable gains in reading scores

• Assistant Professor, Elementary Education, National Louis University, Chicago, IL, 09/01/24–Present, Instruct undergraduate courses in elementary reading methods, literacy development, and early childhood education, Design curriculum and lesson plans aligned with state standards, including phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, Facilitate classroom observations and provide feedback on field experience reflections and instructional planning
• Adjunct Professor, Literacy and Educational Leadership, Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, IL, 09/01/13–05/01/15, 09/01/22–05/01/23, Taught reading methods courses to M.Ed. candidates, emphasizing small-group instruction and literacy assessment strategies, Supervised student teachers and administrators in field placements, supporting growth through observation and feedback, Delivered workshops on rubric-based writing and reading comprehension best practices
• Curriculum & Literacy Specialist, Elaine Goodlow Magnet School, Chicago, IL, 09/01/04–05/01/07, Designed reading and writing units for Grades 6–8 and led PD for staff on reading strategies and data use, Facilitated parent workshops and classroom demonstrations to build home-school literacy partnerships, Achieved a 10% increase in reading proficiency annually through use of diagnostic and formative assessments
• Middle School Reading and Literacy Teacher, James Memorial Christian Academy, Maywood, IL, 05/01/93–05/01/04, Provided differentiated literacy instruction and small-group interventions for students in grades 6–8, Supported student promotion through strategic reading remediation and instructional scaffolding

• "Reading and Writing in the Content Area (RICA)" – CPS
• "Effective Co-Planning/Co-Teaching Cycles" – CPS OS4
• "Writing to the Rubric" – Concordia University Chicago
• "The New GRR Infused with DII" – CPS OS4
• "Placing the A in STEM: Integrating Literacy with the Arts" – Foundations College Prep