We are ThinkCERCA, an award-winning education technology company dedicated to empowering educators and preparing students for a future that demands critical thinking. Founded in 2012 by Eileen Murphy, a former teacher and district administrator, our mission was born from a clear need observed in the classroom and across school districts. We saw a gap between traditional literacy instruction and the skills students truly need to succeed in the 21st century: the ability to read closely, think critically, and construct powerful, evidence-based arguments. To address this, we developed a personalized literacy platform designed to nurture these essential skills across all core subjects, including English Language Arts, science, social studies, and math. Our goal is to provide every student, regardless of their background or readiness level, with equitable access to high-quality instruction that fosters deep learning and analytical abilities.
At the heart of our approach is the research-based CERCA framework, which stands for Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, Counterargument, and Audience. This framework provides a structured yet flexible methodology for students to engage with complex texts, formulate their own ideas, and communicate them effectively. We believe that by teaching students how to construct a well-reasoned argument, we are not just improving their writing; we are teaching them how to think. Our platform offers a rich library of differentiated texts and interactive lessons, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. We are proud that studies have shown our approach can help students achieve two years of academic growth in a single year. We are a team of passionate educators, technologists, and innovators committed to making a real impact on student outcomes and closing the literacy gap for learners everywhere.