Erin Hamilton
Dr. Erin Hamilton: Transformational Literacy Leader and Advocate
With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Erin Hamilton has dedicated her life to improving literacy outcomes and empowering educators. From her early days as a K-5 educator to her current role as Vice President of Educational Strategy at 95 Percent Group, she has continually shaped and influenced the field of education through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
Dr. Hamilton spent 15 years as a classroom teacher, fostering a love of learning and literacy in her students. Her passion for literacy led her to become a literacy consultant, where she partnered with teachers across Pennsylvania to enhance classroom practices. She later advanced to the role of curriculum specialist, collaborating with district superintendents on comprehensive planning and school improvement initiatives, further solidifying her expertise in instructional leadership.
Over the past four years, Dr. Hamilton has expanded her influence on a national scale, supporting state-level initiatives that accelerate the adoption of evidence-based literacy policies and legislation. Her work focuses on bridging research and practice, ensuring that educators have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to implement effective literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading (SoR).
At 95 Percent Group, Dr. Hamilton leads the charge in advancing educational strategy. She oversees the adoption of programs like Top 10 Tools, a professional learning resource designed to equip educators with actionable strategies to drive student success. A critical component of her role is monitoring state and federal literacy legislation, fostering relationships with policymakers, and aligning organizational goals with emerging trends. Her strategic vision helps states and districts create sustainable plans for improving literacy outcomes, with the ultimate goal of ensuring 95% or more of students achieve reading proficiency.
Dr. Hamilton earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Immaculata University, with her dissertation exploring the self-efficacy of elementary principals in foundational literacy leadership. This academic foundation underpins her mission to empower leaders at all levels of the educational system to champion effective literacy practices.
Known for her collaborative approach, Dr. Hamilton builds meaningful partnerships with educators, policymakers, and organizations. She has led professional learning sessions, webinars, and workshops to scale state literacy efforts. Her presence at national conferences showcases her expertise in literacy policy, leadership, and advocacy.
Dr. Hamilton frequently shares insights on LinkedIn, where she highlights literacy legislation, leadership strategies, and success stories that inspire the education community. She balances data-driven strategies with heartfelt advocacy, ensuring her work resonates with educators and policymakers alike.
While her professional impact spans the United States, Dr. Hamilton resides in Saint Augustine, Florida, with her beloved family. A lifelong learner and mentor, she is driven by her belief in the transformative power of literacy and her commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to unlock their full potential through reading.
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.