What drew you to EEE?

EEE allows for so much creativity from both scholars and teachers. Everyday is a new experience. 

Who inspires you most. Why?

My parents. Both of my parents have done amazing things at ages in which a lot of people would say, "I'm too old." My mom went to medical school at 56 and my dad had his first novel published at age 60. They are a wonderful example of, "it's never too late." 

What is favorite material to teach?

I love using books in most of my lessons. I came late to reading (I didn't read until third grade) and I want to help my scholars develop meaningful connections to books and literature from an early age.

Favorite Quote?

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”       ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre 

Eric Brown 

What experiences have you brought to EEE?

I have 25 years of teaching experience in grades K-12. Most recently I have taught middle school social studies in Columbia Public Schools for the past 18 years.  Before that I did a little bit of everything, from teaching third grade, high school photography, middle school chess, and elementary media center lessons at an international school in Milan, Italy, to teaching middle school Texas history in Austin, Texas.  My undergraduate degrees are in Architectural Studies and Art History, and I am so excited to bring some of that knowledge and background to EEE.

Who inspires you most?

My students immediately come to mind.  I love teaching, and one of the reasons is the inspiration I get from my students, whether they are elementary, middle school, or high school aged.  I learn so much from them each day. 

Describe one of your passions.

I love to travel to new places and immerse myself into the culture.  I lived in Italy for four years, and travel there regularly to visit family. Traveling to new places can be challenging, but I love how much one grows from it, and the different perspective it gives one’s life.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at EEE? 

My favorite part about working at EEE is definitely the scholars. I love their desire for knowledge, their natural curiosity, their abundance of creativity, and how each child is unique. 

Why do you feel teaching art is important? 

The visual arts are important because it provides scholars with real life skills and knowledge. Some of the most important lessons that the arts can teach are creative problem-solving skills, decision-making, fine motor skills, risk-taking, paying attention to details, and inventiveness. The arts provide a challenge for learners at all levels while allowing scholars to make connections with different cultures throughout time. 

Favorite quote?

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”                                 ― Pablo Picasso 

What areas of mathematics do you enjoy teaching most and why?

I’m drawn to the study of geometry, statistics, and spatial reasoning. Seeking the unknowable is also enjoyable to me. I enjoy bringing the idea of mathematical paradox and uncertainty to my scholars. When picking my curriculum, I look for topics that excite me and will lend themselves to an enduring  understanding of mathematics.

Why do you feel learning mathematics is important?

I believe learning mathematics is important, in part, because I have such a strong interest in making evidenced-based decisions. My goal is for scholars to become mathematically-literate decision makers. I want them to understand what questions to ask and how to weigh evidence to make informed choices.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

The scholars. Our EEE scholars wonder, question and are a great combination of intellect, creativity and enthusiasm. They are our gift and working with them is a responsibility I take seriously. There have been countless moments when I have walked out of my classroom and said to myself, “This is why I love to teach.”

What drew you to EEE?

What drew me to EEE was the creativity! I  have a particular interest in gifted learners. My goal is to find their strengths and foster those so they can become the most well-rounded learner  they can possibly be. Giving students a space where they can critically think and problem solve at a young age is a dream come true for me. 

What is one of your favorite places you’ve visited and why? 

Greece is at the top of my list! There is something about the vivacity, the culture, the people- that I love.  A happy go lucky feeling as you stroll the streets, but still a great sense of pride.   It truly captures my heart. Though I am not Greek, I love what the culture stands for. 

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

The relationships I have built are the most rewarding aspect of teaching. I’m inspired by my students as scholars and people. Igniting their potential is my passion. I want them to know I am in their corner and rooting for them. 

What experience have you brought to EEE?

I have been part of the CPS Gifted Education Program for about 20 years, retiring officially from CPS in 2022. I am pleased to be returning this year on a part-time basis teaching first grade. During my tenure, I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from scholars ranging from kindergarten through 5th grade. I love them all! 

Why do you feel teaching first grade is important?

I think first grade is a special age where young children benefit from a rich environment with many exposures to problem-solving and opportunities to explore as they learn to communicate with greater precision. A big part of each day with first grade learners is helping kids look at challenges with openness, curiosity, and creativity while celebrating their efforts in risk-taking as they think in new ways, persist through the hard stuff, and find ways to communicate their new understandings to peers.

Decribe one of your passions.

I love the opportunity the EEE program offers to explore historical people and cultures. I try to incorporate how things came to be understood in the way they are today by connecting learning to earlier civilizations and how they thought about the world wherever possible. The exploration of ancient peoples and their belief systems lends itself to the arts which is not only important to me personally, but also as a means of helping kids interact with content. I try to paint and draw my own nature observations in personal journals as often as I can. I find this kind of artistic outlet improves my understanding of the natural world and keeps me asking questions. I have become passionate about birds and love to share this nature-joy with my family, community, and kids!

What experiences have you brought to EEE?

 My background spans fine arts, design, and education. I earned my BFA from Truman State and my MFA from the University of Iowa, focusing on design and printmaking. I've worked as an adjunct professor, an art director, and a part-time designer while raising three children. Living abroad broadened my perspective, and teaching elementary art in Columbia reconnected me with my passion for creative education. All of these experiences have led me to EEE, where I love teaching 4th- and 5th-grade scholars and learning their stories through art.

Why do you feel teaching art is important?

Art is a powerful journey of self-discovery. It teaches students to embrace mistakes, trust the process, and explore new materials with curiosity and confidence. While creating something beautiful is rewarding, I believe the true value lies in the process—watching students grow, connect, and take pride in learning something new.

Describe one of your passions.
 

Endurance sports became a passion after I had my three sons. Whether it’s a tough swim or a windy bike ride, these challenges have taught me resilience and mental strength. I cherish the camaraderie found in shared struggle and the thrill of pushing past fear to discover what I’m capable of. It's a reminder of the beauty in effort and the joy in growth.