Erica Brame-Manuel is the new principal of Cullen Middle School, just the latest in the long list of leadership roles she has filled. Her commitment to excellence and unwillingness to settle for less than the best where her students and staff are concerned are the qualities that make her this week’s HISD Star Educator.

During her time as principal of Thompson Elementary School, Brame-Manuel made the decision to opt her struggling school into the New Education System. Brame-Manuel credits the enthusiastic and positive response of her students, staff and the Thompson community for the increase in student performance that has resulted in the majority of Thompson students performing at or above grade level. 

Brame-Manuel began her career in education at HISD’s Bastian Elementary School. As a campus reading specialist, she was instrumental in increasing student outcomes at Foerster Elementary and was the powerhouse driving force behind Lawson Middle School’s double-digit gains in reading and writing. Brame-Manuel earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wiley College as well as a master’s degree from Jones International University.

Goal- and consistency-oriented, Brame-Manuel prides herself on maintaining a campus that staff and students are excited to walk into every day. 

Learn more about Principal Brame-Manuel and her groundbreaking work at Thompson Elementary below:

Favorite subject in school:  Reading.
Favorite book: The Carpenter by John Gordon.
Favorite thing about Houston:  I love the diversity, cost of living and the good food.
Goal for your students and staff this upcoming school year: My goal is for the improvement of instructional capacity and school culture through the implementation of effective practices that yield high results.