Ericca Dent
Burbank Unified School District's Teacher of the Year
2020-2021

Named the 2020 Teacher of the Year, Ericca Dent is committed to inclusion. Part of Joaquin Miller Elementary School’s second grade team, she taught second and third grade in Virginia before making California her home in 2015. Having served as the grade level chairperson and a mentor to new teachers, Ms. Dent is no stranger to being a collaborative leader in the school building. As a founding member of the District’s Justice and Equity Team (JET) committee, she is helping other BUSD teachers by creating “a space and a toolbox of resources to reflect and discuss the journey toward antiracist educating.”

Q & A with Ericca Dent:

Q:  How have your own experiences helped shape you as a teacher?

A:  Diversity and inclusion within the BUSD community is important to me. I remember how it felt going to school and not seeing myself represented. The history that’s taught often shies away from the tough conversations and the truth about many of the figures our country admires. For example, I remember how highly (Christopher) Columbus was revered. It wasn’t until after my K-12 education that I learned the true nature of his ways. Conversely, our Black history lessons often center around Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and Harriet Tubman – and although these are incredibly important people, there are so many other Black historical figures to explore. 

Additionally, we often see the struggles of Black people primarily highlighted. The effect of this is detrimental in our schools because students are mainly seeing examples of White excellence that leaves many others wondering about people who look like them – and wondering, are they also able to achieve greatness as well?

Q:  What do you think about the future?

A:  I am hopeful. With the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, our country has been forced to examine our past, and our present practices. A real shift seems to be happening. Teachers, administrators, and school districts are stepping up to make sure all voices are heard and valued. Now, more than ever, I’m noticing teachers honestly examining their own biases. They are looking through classroom libraries to remove inaccurate stories and replacing them with books that amplify stories of people that are diverse in ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, culture, and ability.

Q:  What are some things you do to showcase diversity in your classroom?

A:  I always strive to include a variety of voices in my classroom library. When displaying books, I make sure there are lesser-known figures for students to explore. Now, after (virtually) attending conferences, webinars, and reading more on how to be an anti-racist educator, I’m even more motivated and driven to do more to provide my students with an education that showcases what our world truly looks like.

Q:  One of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittees focuses on curriculum. What role does curriculum play in your work?

A:  I’m so excited BUSD has taken steps to examine the curriculum. It is a step towards ensuring that all students and teachers feel seen and heard. Currently, I’m a JET co-chair and, with this group, we hope to provide a space for teachers to learn more about being anti-racist and equitable educators. Recently, I also joined the Elementary Equity Team where we examine grade level curriculum. I’m the first to admit that I don’t have all answers, but I’m always willing to learn and do the work.

Articles Featuring Ericca Dent:

Burbank Teacher of the Year Diversifying Second Grade History Curriculum
By Aziza Shuler