A proud product of D.C. Public Schools, Erica J. Banks-Bennett   attended Kimball Elementary School, Sousa Junior High School, and graduated from Ballou Senior High School. Her mother also worked for years at Kimball. After receiving degrees from the University of D.C. and the George Washington University, she returned to teach high school biology and environmental science at Cardozo, where she has worked for the past 20 years. Though she initially wanted to be a doctor, she quickly changed her mind when she realized the power of the teaching profession. ”I am able to influence mindsets, empower students to think positively, rise above situations, and become better people,” Ms. Banks explains. “Teachers change lives.” Students have shown fantastic gains in her classroom. Last year, their scores on the DC CAS Biology exam improved by double digits, and AP Biology scores improved by 37 percent.

Ms. Banks has also expanded her impact beyond the classroom. As a member of the DCPS Master Teacher Corps for science, she helped develop and deliver professional development for biology under the Next Generation Science Standards. As a teacher, she appreciates the opportunity to grow lifelong learners and transfer her passion to others. “There is no better feeling than knowing that I have provided the tools and skill set to change lives for the better,” Ms. Banks insists. “I can make people believe that they can do the impossible.”