Ayanna Carter, EdD
Dr. Ayanna Carter, EdD, is a dynamic education leader, published author, and State Superintendent at Capital Prep Harbor School in Connecticut. With over a decade of experience spanning classroom instruction, academic leadership, and organizational management, Dr. Carter has dedicated her career to creating equitable, innovative, and high-performing learning environments. Her educational philosophy centers on inspiring every student to achieve their full potential through rigorous instruction, cultural relevance, and compassionate guidance.
Before assuming her current leadership role, Dr. Carter served as Assistant Superintendent, Upper School Principal, and Dean of Academics at Capital Prep, where she led transformative school improvement initiatives and supported educators in strengthening instructional practice. Her earlier experience as a professor at Monroe College and Hudson County Community College refined her skills in curriculum development, educational policy, and student engagement. A lifelong learner, she earned her Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University, where she also completed her master’s in Secondary Education and Teaching.
In addition to her work in education, Dr. Carter is the founder and author behind iKidsGlobal, a creative platform dedicated to celebrating the brilliance, diversity, and imagination of children around the world. Through her writing and leadership, she continues to advocate for equity, empowerment, and innovation in education—building pathways that ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed and lead.
• NY State Teacher Certification - Secondary School English
• Advanced Certificate - Instructional Leadership
• Monroe University- B.B.A.
• St. John's University- M.Sc.
• St. John's University- Ed.D.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and perseverance—I was born and raised in Trinidad and came to the United States at 19, determined to build a meaningful career through dedication and resilience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “You can and you will—just set goals and stay focused on achieving them.”
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in yourself—you will be great, and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is ensuring that, as the State Superintendent of Connecticut, I continue to lead effectively and maintain excellence across the state’s education system.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are hard work, dedication, and community impact—especially when it comes to helping underserved populations access higher education and overcome any barriers to success.