By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Coaches in the Classroom feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today’s spotlight is on Aurora High School’s Erika Greenberg, who is a Health and Physical Education teacher and is also the district’s high school girls basketball head coach.

• School District: Aurora City Schools.
• Years at school: 18.
• Classes taught: Health and Physical Education at the high school. I also teach yoga, self defense, net games, PE9 and health.
• What made you want to become an educator?: I had some great teachers growing up, who were great role models. Those educators helped to mold me into the person I am today.
• What is your favorite part of your job?: Connecting with students is my favorite part of teaching. Letting students know that your re here for them and that you care about them and what they are going through.
• What have you learned about being an educator that you didn’t know before you started?: When I first started teaching, I was definitely rough around the edges. I have learned to show students more empathy and understanding. Students often have a lot more going on in their lives than we can see. Everyone deserves some grace.
• Which teachers influenced you to go into education?: I went to Anthony Wayne High School in Toledo. I had so many great teachers that it is hard to name them all, and I don’t want to leave anyone out.
• How do you apply some of your coaching to the classroom?: Applying coaching in the classroom is even easier for me than for a traditional teacher due to my subject matter. I bring passion and excitement to my classroom (just like on the court), because I love what I do.
• How do you apply some of your classroom to your coaching?: I try to incorporate life lessons throughout the season for our team, just like I do in my classroom.
• Mentors in your building who have helped you along the way?: Victor Ricketts teaches health and physical education with me at the high school. He has been a huge help to me during my time here. He was one of the first teachers I met at Aurora when I was hired, and he has been helping me since.