Erica Zigelman had a career in education spanning over 40 years, serving as a teacher, literacy coach, principal, and mentor. She now works as a leadership consultant for the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI), which has developed educational reforms and programs in New York City for over 30 years. CEI offers professional development to principals on building literacy culture, family engagement, and collaborative teams, and to teachers on authentic assessments, blended learning, and culturally responsive teaching to improve student outcomes.

1. Erica Zigelman

2. An education leader based in Orangeburg, New
York, Erica Zigelman served for nearly two
decades as a middle school principal with the
New York City Department of Education. Over
the course of a career spanning more than forty
years, she also served as a teacher, literacy
coach, and a teacher mentor. Erica Zigelman's
past professional achievements include winning
the Distinguished Principal Award from the
Middle School Principal's Association. Today she
serves as a leadership consultant for the Center
for Educational Innovation (CEI).

3. For over three decades, CEI has been developing
and implementing educational reforms to create
high-performing schools in underserved
communities throughout the New York City area.
In addition to initiatives focused on student
enrichment and whole-school transformation,
the group oversees its Professional Learning and
Capacity Building program which includes various
leadership development components.

4. CEI's professional learning offerings are
designed to help school leaders and teachers
improve student outcomes. K-12 principals and
other administrators who work with the
organization receive guidance on building a
strong literacy culture and improving family and
community engagement for their schools. They
also learn how to build collaborative teams,
improve student attendance, and promote an
inclusive learning environment.

5. Teachers who take part in CEI's professional
learning programs work on improving their
effectiveness in using authentic assessments and
creating meaningful blended learning
experiences. Teachers also receive instruction in
New York State Next Generation Learning
Standards in language arts and science
education. Other topics include curriculum
development and culturally responsive teaching.
To learn more about CEI's professional learning
programs and other offerings, visit www.the-
cei.org.