Twenty years ago, you would find Erica Zarra huddled by a computer, working late nights while perfecting stories in a newsroom. But at the start of this school year, walking by Room 713, you could find her enthusiastically teaching English using her experience as a journalist to help students succeed.
Her time in journalism has taught her a lot, not just about writing, but also about the treatment of others. Zarra said she’s learned to embrace change and aspires to create a comfortable environment for questioning and discussion in her classroom.
“Whatever they [students] want to improve I hope I can facilitate that, that’s very individual,” Zarra said. “I hope they look forward to coming to class, and…I hope they feel comfortable enough to share their ideas.”
Zarra taught English III CPA and Honors classes as a leave replacement for Olivia Macaluso in September and October. She comes from a family of educators, with her mother, father and sister all working in the field. She grew up in Nutley, where she was the editor of her high school newspaper, and she graduated from Penn State University in 2004. During her time at Penn State, she worked on the university’s paper, The Daily Collegian. Because of her hardwork and dedication during her senior year, she was awarded the position of managing editor.
After time in the journalism field, she jumped into the world of teaching. For the past 16 years, she has taught many types of English and Language Arts classes at the Essex County Vocational School.
“For a long time I identified myself, like I am a journalist but I think it’s really important to give yourself that leeway to make a change,” Zarra said. “I’ll always be a writer, I am just a teacher now.”
Zarra says she understands that the key to success for students is a comfortable environment. She aims for the atmosphere of her class to be respectful in order for her students to fully absorb information.
“I think a discussion is the best way to learn, the best way to secure an answer, the best way to make the person on the other end feel comfortable,” Zarra said.
Along with discussion, listening is a skill Zarra feels is underrated but should be highly valued.
“[Listening is] actually taking in what someone else is saying, and you don’t have to agree with them but I think that it’s just so important about learning, because perspectives are unique and should be appreciated,” Zarra said.
As a political journalist, Zarra has been yelled at a fair share of times. Reflecting on how those experiences made her feel led her to do the exact opposite in her classroom.
“I think it’s important to balance having expectations and having structure and classroom management, but also with a degree of kindness,” Zarra said.
