Carla Neely

Carla Neely, a veteran science teacher with 26 years’ experience, has dedicated her career to inspiring students in urban schools often labelled as “hard to staff.” Teaching exclusively African American students from impoverished backgrounds, Carla’s unwavering belief in their potential drove her to create transformative learning experiences and equitable access to STEM education. Her innovative teaching, focused advocacy, and measurable impact position her as a trailblazer in the field of education. 

Carla’s journey as an educator stems from a deep passion for equitable STEM opportunities, particularly for girls of colour. Recognizing the systemic barriers her students face—including poverty, limited resources, and societal low expectations—she crafted a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, resilience, and academic growth. Employing project-based and inquiry-driven learning, she has enabled her students to explore science through hands-on experiments, such as designing water filtration systems and investigating ecosystem disruptions. These methods bridge the gap between scientific concepts and real-world applications, empowering her students to see themselves as capable learners and future innovators. 

One of Carla’s signature initiatives, Urban Girls Can STEM, TOO!, exemplifies her commitment to equity. This program addresses the underrepresentation of girls of colour in STEM by providing mentorship, field trips, and real-world projects that build confidence and spark ambition. Through this initiative, Carla has cultivated a generation of young women who now envision themselves as scientists, engineers, and changemakers. 

Beyond her classroom, Carla’s impact extends into the community, partnering with local organizations to provide STEM workshops, internships, and resources for underserved students. She also fosters family engagement through events like Family Science Night, where parents and students explore scientific concepts together, strengthening home-school connections. Additionally, Carla has led sustainability efforts at her school, including a recycling program that reduced waste by 40%, instilling environmental responsibility in students and colleagues alike. 

Despite significant challenges, including a lack of basic educational resources, Carla’s students consistently achieve remarkable outcomes. Over the past three years, their proficiency rates in science have increased by 35% on state assessments, with many students progressing from below basic to proficient or advanced levels. Her class has earned top honours in district STEM competitions, and her initiatives have improved attendance and engagement, particularly among girls who previously showed little interest in STEM. 

Carla’s contributions to education extend to her colleagues and the broader profession. As a mentor and professional development leader, she shares best practices in culturally responsive teaching and project-based learning, particularly for marginalized students. Her efforts to reform curricula and advocate for systemic change have led to improved teacher morale and student outcomes. As a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research recipient, she will travel to India this year to explore strategies for sustaining girls’ interest in STEM, further enhancing her ability to inspire change globally. 

For Carla Neely, teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling to change lives. Her students leave her classroom not only with academic growth but also with the belief that they can overcome barriers and achieve greatness. Her innovative practices, community advocacy, and lifelong commitment to equity make her a beacon of hope and a deserving contender for the Global Teacher Prize.