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Meet our CEO
Erica Jewel Littleton

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Erica Jewel Littleton, our CEO, founded Learning Little People in 2013. She has earned local and statewide recognition for her lively contributions to the field of education. A 2005 graduate of Samford’s School of Education, Erica Jewel earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. In 2009, she became a National Board Certified Teacher as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. Erica Jewel returned to Samford and earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership in 2010. She earned her Ph.D. in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Educational Studies in Diverse Populations program. 

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EDUCATION

 

Doctorate of Philosphy (Ph.D.): Educational Studies in Diverse Populations

University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL (2023)

Concentration: Pedagogical Studies

Field of Focus: Education Foundations & Instructional Leadership

 

Master of Education (M.Ed.): Instructional Leadership 

Samford University, Birmingham, AL (2010)

 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.): Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education Collaborative

Samford University, Birmingham, AL (2005)

CERTIFICATES

 

National Board Certification

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Arlington, VA (since 2009)

Exceptional Needs Specialist: Early Childhood through Young Adulthood

 

Teacher Certification

Issued by the Alabama State Department of Education:

  • Instructional Leadership Class A, grades P-12 (since 2010)

  • Early Childhood Class B, grades P-3 (since 2005)

  • Collaborative Teacher Class B, grades K-6 (since 2005)

  • Early Childhood Special Education Class B, grades P-3 (since 2005)

  • Elementary Class B, grades K-6 (since 2005)

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Erica Jewel's Story

During her career, Erica Jewel has taught general and special education on the elementary level and has served as assistant principal at an urban K-8 school. She later became principal at a private school and has served as the Turnaround Specialist at an urban middle school. There, she oversaw the school’s $1.5 million School Improvement Grant. After a single year at the school, Erica Jewel was instrumental in helping the school increase from a 53/F on the state report card to a 73/C. In 2018, she created a National Board cohort and through it, Erica Jewel helped educators from three school districts navigate the process of becoming National Board Certified Teachers.

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Erica Jewel served as the Director of Educational Advancement in Mayor Randall Woodfin's office for two years. While there, she facilitated nonprofit and entrepreneur introductions to pertinent administrators in Birmingham City Schools. She was also instrumental in providing support for early childhood education in Birmingham through her participation in United Way of Central Alabama's Early Learning Action Network (ELAN).

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In addition to providing mentorship for area middle school teachers, Erica Jewel continues her participation in ELAN as well as working with local nonprofits and coalitions. She serves as a member of the awards committee for YouthServe's Youth Service Award. Erica Jewel is also a member of the EmpowerED Birmingham Coalition and serves as a vice president of Spring Valley School's board.

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