Meet Erich.
Something interesting about you that others may not know?
Erich: "I have been known to acquire a diverse array of seemingly random collections of objects including but not limited to rocks, stamps, glass cats, marbles, thimbles, key chains, US state mugs, local art, international money, and insects..."
The journey to international school education began the moment Erich finished his undergraduate degree in Anthropology at the University of Colorado at Denver. He had focused his energies on attempting to become the next great installment of Louis Leakey’s scientific greats among no less than Birute Galdikas, Jane Goodall, and Dian Fossey and had spoken to one, met another, and visited the grave of the third in Rwanda respectively.
In Denver, Erich researched lowland mountain gorillas using ethograms at the local zoo and created enrichment programs for two species of captive macaque monkeys while attending university and holding down a full time job at the Cheesecake Factory. Then, Erich's life took an unexpected turn with a nudge from his mother, currently an educator and instructional coach of 26 years, who suggested he consider pursuing education as an alternative career.
The moment Erich stepped into his first classroom at Gilliam Youth Detention Facility and connected with his very first student, he knew that was where he belonged. After receiving his teacher’s license and certification in secondary Social Studies, Erich first opted to join the US Peace Corps in Zambia from 2005 to 2007 serving as a volunteer in community development helping to create sustainable education systems for rural subsistence farmers and their children. Upon his return to the US, Erich signed his first contract in Denver Public schools and taught at Denver South High School for 9 years. South High school became another turning point down his path to international education as he worked with a wide range of cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds, including refugees and children of economic migrants from countries such as Somalia, Burma, Eritrea, Bosnia, El Salvador, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Erich's students changed his life and his approach to education. They inspired him to get his Master’s degree and certification in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) from the University of Colorado and again to receive a Master’s degree and certification in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix. Erich believes that everyone can learn, has the right to learn, and he is excited to join the T&L team to work alongside his colleagues in collaboration as KIS strives to offer its students the best that they deserve.
Follow Erich on Twitter @ErichSmeaton