Inside Erikson | January 2025

January 2025 – Welcome to the January edition of the Inside Erikson newsletter.

As we step into 2025, we carry with us the remarkable achievements of 2024—a year filled with progress, innovation and community connection in early childhood education. Together, we’ve supported children, empowered families and strengthened our communities through collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment. 2024 was a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. This year, we look forward to building on that momentum, embracing new opportunities and continuing to create inclusive spaces where every child and family can thrive. Here’s to another year of growth, learning and community building!

Erikson Updates

New Erikson Merchandise Store

The Marketing team recently launched a new and improved merchandise store. Purchase all of your Erikson-branded gear here. 

Ayanna F. Brown, PhD. Appointed to Chairperson for NCTE committee

Congratulations to Ayanna F. Brown, PhD. Erikson’s Associate Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion & Professor who has been appointed as the Chair for The Committee Against Racism and Bias in the Teaching of English for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). This Committee is charged to investigate and make recommendations to counteract racism and racial bias in teaching materials, methods, and programs for language arts, English, and humanities and to recommend to the Executive Committee considerations related to professional learning and practice regarding teaching linguistically and culturally diverse students, with the assistance of appropriate scholars and experts, as well as careful documentation from the research base for the recommendations.

Gold Star Alumni Series

The Gold Star Alumni Series aims to celebrate the exceptional individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also made a significant impact on their communities.

Learn more about our January feature, Ron Grady (MSECE ‘20)

About Erikson

Graduate Education

Recognized for our groundbreaking work in the field of early childhood, Erikson specializes in preparing child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children, families, and their communities. For more information on our degree and certificate programs, visit our website or email our admissions team.

Policy and Leadership

Erikson’s Policy and Leadership department engages leaders in government, business, and nonprofit sectors to inform effective policies that benefit children and families. They offer unique programming that equips decision-makers and influencers with the resources, skills, and deep knowledge about early childhood development that will support their efforts to make lasting change. Learn more about our Policy and Leadership

Make a Difference — Refer a Friend to Erikson Institute

Know a passionate early childhood educator or social worker looking to advance their career? Refer them to Erikson! You’ll help them achieve their goals, expand their impact and grow their network. As a thank you, you’ll be entered to win referral prizes including a $100 Amazon gift card or $50 in Erikson merch. Refer someone today

Give to Erikson

The first 1,800 days of life set the stage for a child’s long-term physical and emotional health, socioeconomic trajectory, life expectancy, happiness, and well-being. Can we count on you to make a gift to strengthen our ability to serve children and families, as well as our students, faculty, and staff, during this time? Your support for Erikson prepares the heroes in young children’s lives—teachers, social workers, civic leaders, parents and caregivers—to get them safely through this crisis so they can soar into promising futures.

PLEASE DONATE HERE