STAFF & FACULTY DIRECTORY PROFILE
Erica Bryant
Job Title:
English Teacher
Department:
English
Email:
Phone: (510) 577-9100
ext.
Started at O'Dowd:
2021
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of California, Irvine and Single Subject Teaching Credential from Mills College
Originally from:
Watts, California
Why I Teach:
I teach because it is a genuine gift to be a part of another person's aha moment. I love that in my own small way I can help young people discover the kinds of human beings they want to be. If anyone is going to change the world it will be young people; they have the most to gain and the least to lose.
Most powerful teaching technique:
The most powerful teaching technique is building strong/healthy relationships. It is impossible to teach someone you do not know. Young people have such dynamic personalities and understanding who they are will allow me to create lessons that are equally dynamic and relevant.
Why are the subjects you teach important?:
English and more specifically, literature, is important because it allows people to imagine whole new worlds and perspectives. It is the process of exploring that enables us to develop and strengthen our own worlds and realities. Studying English is one of many ways to sharpen our critical thinking skills and deepen our understanding of humankind.
Favorite quotes:
"If you do not understand White supremacy, what it is, and how it works, everything else that you understand will only confuse you."- Dr. Neely Fuller, Jr.
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - Albus Dumbledore
Favorite trivia:
Only female mosquitoes bite.
Recommended visual media:
Sailor Moon, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Death Becomes Her, The First Wives Club, Demon Slayer, Steven Universe, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, Adventure Time, The Great British Bake Off, and any episode of Dateline hosted by Keith Morrison
Recommended reads:
The Harry Potter Series, Dawn by Octavia Butler, Conjure Women by Afia Atakora, Persuasion by Jane Austen, The Dublin Murder Squad Series by Tana French, The Chronicles of Narnia bu C.S. Lewis
Hobbies or outside interests:
I enjoy powerlifting, a great animated series, true-crime podcasts, and building my collection of eyeshadows. Lately I've become obsessed with building and maintaining a capsule wardrobe. Ultimately, I'm just a homebody who loves sharing a good meal with good people.