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Mayfield Voices
The Mayfield Community is a rich and diverse group of individuals with unique perspectives, varied passions and interests, and deep beliefs. Meet Erika Sears, our Lower School EdTech Specialist
As a third-grade teacher here at MJS, Erika was drawn to the creativity and engagement technology and design thinking added when integrated into her curriculum. For the 2019-20 school year, she joins our Innovation Team as the Lower School EdTech Specialist working with teachers and students in grades K-4.
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
It was my mother-in-law who inspired me to become a teacher. When I started dating my husband in college, I had a completely different major. But as I got to know her and see her love for her profession, I started to become interested in being a teacher. She was a dedicated educator who had many roles throughout the years- from kindergarten teacher to assistant superintendent and everything in between. I’m so happy she influenced me to find a path that I love.
Will you share a little-known talent?
I played the tuba from grades 6-12! My family moved at the end of the summer before sixth grade, and when we met with the band director this was the only instrument left. I stuck with it and loved it.
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As a third-grade teacher here at MJS, Erika was drawn to the creativity and engagement technology and design thinking added when integrated into her curriculum. For the 2019-20 school year, she joins our Innovation Team as the Lower School EdTech Specialist working with teachers and students in grades K-4.
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
It was my mother-in-law who inspired me to become a teacher. When I started dating my husband in college, I had a completely different major. But as I got to know her and see her love for her profession, I started to become interested in being a teacher. She was a dedicated educator who had many roles throughout the years- from kindergarten teacher to assistant superintendent and everything in between. I’m so happy she influenced me to find a path that I love.
What excites you most about technology and innovation?
I see technology as such a valuable tool to further kids’ learning today. Much of what they use in technology is passive - but I want to inspire them to create and expand their understanding of the world around them. When kids get excited about the things they design, it makes me that much more inspired.
I see technology as such a valuable tool to further kids’ learning today. Much of what they use in technology is passive - but I want to inspire them to create and expand their understanding of the world around them. When kids get excited about the things they design, it makes me that much more inspired.
What qualities do you believe to be valuable for a teacher?
The most important quality I believe that a teacher needs to have is true love of learning. Great teachers love to learn from others and are always trying to improve their craft. When a teacher is brave enough to learn alongside their students, great things happen.
The most important quality I believe that a teacher needs to have is true love of learning. Great teachers love to learn from others and are always trying to improve their craft. When a teacher is brave enough to learn alongside their students, great things happen.
What do you see in kids today that makes you optimistic for the future?
Kids sense the world to be a big place, and they are happy to find their part within it. That often expresses itself in the ways they care for others and are sensitive to responding with compassion when they see others in need. They want to add their voice to what matters most to them.
Kids sense the world to be a big place, and they are happy to find their part within it. That often expresses itself in the ways they care for others and are sensitive to responding with compassion when they see others in need. They want to add their voice to what matters most to them.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Building my family. I’ve been married for 20 years to my husband, Kyle, and have three children- Kylie (15), Kat (12) and YoSeb (9).
Building my family. I’ve been married for 20 years to my husband, Kyle, and have three children- Kylie (15), Kat (12) and YoSeb (9).
Will you share a little-known talent?
I played the tuba from grades 6-12! My family moved at the end of the summer before sixth grade, and when we met with the band director this was the only instrument left. I stuck with it and loved it.
What are some favorite hobbies and activities?
Running and walking with friends, reading, crafting and creating, and watching my kids play sports.
Running and walking with friends, reading, crafting and creating, and watching my kids play sports.
Do you like to travel? Do you have a favorite place or dream vacation?
I love to travel. Two summers ago I went to South Korea for the second time. My youngest child was adopted from South Korea, so it was very exciting for me to get to expose him to the country and culture at an older age. The highlights were reintroducing him to his foster mother, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, and taking a food tour.
I love to travel. Two summers ago I went to South Korea for the second time. My youngest child was adopted from South Korea, so it was very exciting for me to get to expose him to the country and culture at an older age. The highlights were reintroducing him to his foster mother, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, and taking a food tour.
Is there a quote or saying you find meaningful?
I picked up a mantra that was the theme of a running group I was part of many years ago- “Keep Moving Forward”. This mantra has given me strength and direction throughout so many difficult seasons. I try to take life step by step and not get too far ahead of myself.
For a glimpse into Erika's classes follow her on Twitter @mrssears3
I picked up a mantra that was the theme of a running group I was part of many years ago- “Keep Moving Forward”. This mantra has given me strength and direction throughout so many difficult seasons. I try to take life step by step and not get too far ahead of myself.
For a glimpse into Erika's classes follow her on Twitter @mrssears3
Mayfield Junior School
405 South Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101 626.796.2774
Located in Pasadena, California, Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a K-8 Catholic coeducational private school. Our kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school experience best prepares students for high school education and beyond.
