Ericka Baird has a diverse and multifaceted professional and educational background. She is the principal at the Tacoma German Language School and also teaches beginning German to adults. In addition to her busy schedule, she still finds time to design and sew theatrical costumes and garments and play oboe and flute in her spare time.Ericka has professional development has lead her down a wide variety of career paths. Previously, in addition to education, she worked in beer and wine distribution with Columbia Distributing and Northwest Beverages, as well as fine food management for H&L Produce.Although Ericka does love a good beer and food, this stems from her deeper passion for foreign language and cultural education and acquisition. Ericka currently teaches the beginning Adult German Class at the Tacoma German Language School on Saturdays. Prior to that, Ericka received her degree from Pacific Lutheran University in German Language and Literature with a minor in Music. During her time at P.L.U., she participated in study abroad programs in Berlin with Eurocentres and Die Deutsche Sommerschule am Pazifik through Portland State University. While attending Portland State University, she tested and received her C1 Zeugnis (Language Certification) from the Goethe Institute. Upon graduation from P.L.U., she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English as a foreign language in Gera, Germany.