A+ College Ready Announces New AP English Content Director

I know the difference that A+ College Ready can make in the lives of teachers and their students. Many years ago I, too, faced the overwhelming challenge of teaching a new AP course alone; I know how difficult that transition can be, but I also know how important and impactful effective training and intentional guidance can be.  There were so many influential people who helped me find my way; I want to be that person for our teachers and for their students.”

This is a statement from Erica Griffin, who will serve as the AP English content director beginning in June. Erica is currently the AP English teacher at Hartselle High School.  Erica will be serving in the role currently held by Diann Frucci, who recently announced her retirement.

Ms. Griffin in no stranger to A+ College Ready’s work and impact.  She was the beneficiary of the Advanced Placement training and incentive program when Hartselle High School joined the A+ College Ready program in 2010.   Her potential was easily recognized by A+ College Ready leadership and she was tapped to begin leading Saturday Study Sessions for AP English students all throughout Alabama.  In recent years, she has served as a member of curriculum development teams for both AP and tenth grade English as well as an E3 teacher trainer.

Diann Frucci has set very high expectations for the next person to serve in this role.  No one knows the challenges and opportunities associated with this job better than Diann and she is confident that Erica is the right person to continue the momentum.  Diann remarked, “Erica’s passion for preparing successful students and building stronger teachers has been a driving force in her life. A natural leader, she brings a wealth of talents and modern ideas that complement A+ College Ready’s blueprint for continued success.”

“A large pool of qualified candidates submitted letters of interest for this position.   The fact that there are this many strong AP English teacher leaders in the state is a testament of the quality professional learning and support A+ College Ready has been providing teachers for the last ten years.  Erica demonstrated the right balance of expertise, confidence, passion, empathy, and a desire for continuous learning that we believe make her the best person for this leadership role and we look forward to her joining our dynamic team,” commented Tammy Dunn, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

When asked what she looked forward to as she began this new journey, Erica said, “I am SO EXCITED to continue with the work that others have begun. My goals are to come alongside teachers, encouraging and empowering both them and their students, as we navigate through the mountains and valleys of AP.  I can’t say that I will fill the shoes of Diann Frucci, but I can confidently say that I will put a new pair of shoes besides those and seek to follow a similar path, encouraging, supporting, listening, and caring for Alabama’s wonderful teachers and students.”