Each week The Surprise Independent features a different educator in our city.
Your name: Erica Adelman.
Age: 52.
City/Neighborhood: Marley Park neighborhood.
What is your title/occupation? Art teacher.
What school or department do you work/volunteer at? Valley Vista High School.
How long have you worked here? Ten years at VVHS, seven at Canyon Ridge Elementary and 10 at Mountain Ridge High School.
What do you like most about your job? Within our art studio, I strive to create a learning environment filled with collaboration, student choice, diversity in assignments, and exploration of culture and community. Time in high school is important for young people as it helps guide them in their future directions. I’m not on their way for long, so I value the time I have with each person.
What are you excited about on your campus/in your department and why? Valley Vista’s fine arts department is pure magic. We have a team of teachers highly skilled in their craft and passionate about mentoring young artists. The enthusiasm in our team is boundless and radiates in the classrooms. Students thrive in our programs and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a group of teenagers working together to create performances for themselves and the community to enjoy.
When and why did you move here? I have lived in Surprise since 2002. I have lived in the Phoenix area since I was 2 years old.
Where did you live before you moved? I have lived in different parts of the Phoenix area.
What do you like most about living here? I moved to Surprise in 2002 when our town was much smaller and there were dirt roads in every direction. I have really enjoyed watching the area grow. It’s much busier now, but still maintains a smaller town feel. It’s great to see familiar faces everywhere I go.
What changes would you like to see in this area? We seem to have a great balance now. Shopping, dining, athletics, arts and family-oriented opportunities continue to grow.
Favorite social cause and why? Saving animals is very important to me.
Who is in your family? My son, Austin, is a 2020 graduate of Valley Vista and will complete his performing arts degree from ASU this spring.
What are your interests and hobbies? I love to travel, find adventures, decorate, create art, watch shows and go to the gym.
If you could choose another profession, what would it be? Flight attendant. I may still do this when I retire from teaching.
Describe one of the happiest moments of your life: Easy. The day my son was born. There hasn’t been a moment even close to that since. Being a mother is my greatest joy.
What is your best and worst habit? I call myself an organized free spirit. I always go back and forth from extreme planner to super spontaneous. It can be good or bad depending on how you look at it. It’s not uncommon for me to get lost on one of my unplanned adventures, but I’ll have great photos or souvenirs to remember the day.
What traits do you admire in others? Honest, brave, confident … and a sense of humor.
Who is the person who inspires you and why? My sister, Cindy. She is the most beautiful person I know. She taught private students for 30 years in a small California town, raised two amazing children, and put everyone before herself. She is a cheerleader for everyone she knows and leads her life with grace, purpose and strength.
What is your guiding philosophy? To lead with positivity, good intentions, joy and grace.
What is your advice to today’s youth? Create a life filled with joy, kindness and hard work.
