Erica Jordan-Thomas is a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She previously served as principal of Ranson I.B. Middle School, a Title I school in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (Charlotte, North Carolina). Ranson I.B. met and exceeded growth expectations defined by the state during her tenure. Under her leadership, Ranson I.B. ranked #2 in the district for their growth in English language arts and #3 in the district for their growth in science. Ranson I.B. was one of the first schools in the nation to implement an Opportunity Culture, paying effective teachers more while expanding their impact through the use of technology and instructional coaching. Erica shared Ranson I.B.’s journey in implementing an Opportunity Culture in her Tedx talk entitled “How Do We Pay Our Teachers More?”. Ranson I.B. was named in “65 Elementary and Middle Schools to Visit” by GettingSmart.com. Prior to serving as principal, Erica served as an assistant principal, New Leaders resident principal, instructional coach, and teacher.

Erica has been recognized as an influential educational leader by many prominent organizations including Teach For America, Relay Graduate School of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus. She has been featured in publications from NPR to Teach For America's One Day Magazine. Erica received the New Leader Award from the College of Education and Human Ecology at her alma mater, The Ohio State University and is also a recipient of Harvard’s Education Entrepreneurship Fellowship for her work on a team project focused on developing school boards to govern for equity.

Erica is a native of Columbus, Ohio and proud alumna of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s in Textiles and Clothing. She holds a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Relay Graduate School of Education. She currently serves as board chair of The Collective National Advisory Board, Teach For America’s Alumni of Color Association.