Erica Silver: Finding the Leader Within
A native of the Lehigh Valley, Erica Silver has spent years shaping the region’s cultural landscape through music education. From directing choral programs and middle school musicals at Springhouse Middle School to leading the youngest performing group in the prestigious Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Silver's dedication to her students has always been clear.
When she decided to return to school, she sought an institution that could match her drive while understanding her roots. Silver chose Lehigh because she wanted a university "big enough to challenge me and small enough to support me," featuring a robust in-person format. However, her trajectory changed entirely once she arrived.
"I entered Lehigh planning to complete a second master's degree, but my professors saw in me the doctoral student I didn't see in myself. It is because of their mentorship and encouragement that I have grown into the leader I am today."
A Balancing Act
For a full-time educator and mother, pursuing a doctoral degree is no small feat. Silver found that Lehigh’s College of Education offered the perfect flexibility to make her ambitions possible without sacrificing her commitments at home or in her classroom. Evening and summer course offerings allowed her to maintain her full-time teaching career. Lehigh’s unique focus on blending world-class research with real-time field practice meant that what Silver learned in her doctoral seminars immediately informed her perspective as an active educator.
Unwinding in the Valley
When she steps away from her coursework and conducting, Erica enjoys the rich culture of her hometown. She and her family are avid supporters of the local performing arts scene, regularly attending theater productions and concerts. When it's time to completely unplug and recharge, you can find her out in nature, exploring the Lehigh Valley's beautiful hiking and biking trails.
Looking Towards the Future
Erica’s journey at Lehigh has transformed her vision of what is possible in school leadership. Armed with a deep understanding of educational systems, instructional design, and administrative policy, she is ready to expand her impact. After graduation, Silver hopes to step out of the music classroom and into a public school administration role as a school leader, where she can support teachers and cultivate thriving school communities. She adds, "Lehigh has given me the confidence to take on leadership roles in my current position and prepared me to apply for leadership positions at the completion of my studies."
