I've been struggling to find the words to capture how deeply Erin has influenced me, personally and professionally. I worked with her for 4 years at Bronx Letters, but colleagues become family at our school. I was so proud of her when she called to tell me she became principal.
A poem seemed right, yet also inadequate, but as we both were English teachers (she was probably the best classroom teacher I've ever met), it will have to do. Erin had a gorgeous brain and incredible spirit. I already miss her and feel her giggling and grabbing an iced coffee before settling in to work on her latest spreadsheet.
I drop tables into Docs now,
to organize my thinking
and this is your influence.
or, I start working in Sheets,
which terrifies the poet in me.
I hope I can someday look
at the horizons of distant sunsets,
and see how large this life is,
but also have time for a 6th
grader who is having feelings
about something big
and something small
simultaneously,
like you.
Love you, Erin. Rest peacefully. We are carrying on the fight for equity in your name. 🖤✊🏽
Thank you for this beautiful piece. And yes, please continue the fight! If education had more educators like Erin it would be a much better place for ALL children.