Hello. My name is Erica Volkers and I began my career as a high school social studies teacher primarily serving "at-risk" youth. This experience prompted my desire to learn more about how I could serve students that were often marginalized in our educational system. My first step in doing so was to go through extensive training with PEAK Learning Systems to master and implement a model of instruction and assessment that leverages the motivational needs of students typically disengaged from traditional teaching approaches. My success with my students prompted further involvement with PEAK as an educational consultant in which I trained (and learned from) teachers across the nation. During this time, I also completed my Master's degree in education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction.
My growing passion for the role of education in addressing issues of social justice and providing for equity of educational opportunity, continued as I served as faculty for Teacher Education at Santa Fe Community College. I now serve in the position of Director of Education Programs at Central New Mexico Community College and realize my educational passions through the continuous improvement of the programs we have that prepare educational professionals to work in diverse communities.
Currently, I am also pursuing my doctorate degree in community college leadership. My limited free time is devoted to my three fabulous dogs, Neko, Tikki and Tipper.
