Erica Dimka started teaching in a traditional English classroom at the middle and high school levels before developing an alternative, personalized learning program for at-risk students for three years. Now, she is currently in her sixth year at KM Global, a charter school authorized by the Kettle Moraine School District that focuses on global perspective, innovation and leadership. Prior to teaching, Erica worked as a newspaper reporter, which allows her to share “real-world” writing and research strategies with her students. Having a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Erica often considers the larger impact of transformative teaching practices, in addition to applying those practices at the classroom level.