Carlita Royal
Carlita Royal is an accomplished educational leader with nearly 20 years of experience across K–12 education, spanning roles as a teacher, principal, assistant principal, dean, instructional coach, and now classroom teacher and school founder. She is currently back in the classroom teaching high school mathematics while also partnering with a colleague to found and launch a micro school focused on student choice and small, student-centered learning environments. Her career reflects a deep commitment to instructional leadership, school transformation, and building innovative learning models that prioritize both academic excellence and student voice. A transformational and collaborative leader, Carlita is known for her ability to build strong teams, model best practices, and implement school-wide strategies through thoughtful, incremental change. Her leadership philosophy centers on student-centered work, strong relationships, and high expectations for both students and staff. With a professional focus on STEM education, she is passionate about designing school experiences that allow students to pursue meaningful pathways in STEM and the performing arts, creating environments where learners are empowered to explore interests, develop skills, and reach their full potential. Carlita’s impact is demonstrated by her proven success in school turnaround work. As a principal, she led a low-performing school to move up a full proficiency level in one school year, becoming the only school in the district to achieve that level of growth during that period. A lifelong learner, she is obtaining a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Administration from Northcentral University and has a principal licensure from Indiana Wesleyan University. Grounded in purpose and service, Carlita continues to advance innovative, student-centered education while remaining deeply committed to equity, excellence, and sustainable school improvement.
• Purdue University - BEd, Health and Physical Education/Fitness
• University of Phoenix - MEd
• Northcentral University - EdD
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
• ASCD
• NCTM
• Mental Health Awareness Committee Chairperson for Gamma Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Feed Our Starving Children
• Voices of Love Community Choir
• Youth Department at Trinity Baptist Church of Gary, IN
What do you attribute your success to?
Grit and persistence; not giving up; being a thinker focused on how to help children; caring for students and building strong relationships.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A family saying from her mother: "Be your labor, great or small, do it well or not at all. Once your task has begun, never leave it until it's done."
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It is not easy but it is worth it. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but you must be the light for students; if you are not willing to do the work, this may not be the right field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Motivation among students and teachers, funding cuts, staffing and resource constraints, and addressing post-COVID learning gaps; the need for strong, student-centered leaders.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Hard work, integrity, family, building relationships, and valuing life.