A poignant memoir about overcoming childhood stuttering through the transformative kindness of a compassionate teacher, Miss Brown, and finding purpose in becoming an advocate for struggling children.
Her Story
About Carol
Carol Young is an experienced literacy specialist and educational leader with more than 35 years of experience in teaching, reading instruction, and instructional coaching. She began her career as a classroom teacher in Orange City Schools, where she spent 15 years before transitioning into reading coaching. She subsequently served as a Literacy Coach at Warren City Schools for more than 25 years before joining Canfield Local Schools in 2013, where she continues to support educators through literacy development, curriculum planning, and instructional improvement. Throughout her coaching career, she has trained and mentored educators, including supporting 56 teachers in a district-level coaching capacity.
Carol holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and completed additional studies in Reading Teacher Education at the University of Pennsylvania. She has also received specialized training in Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative coaching. In addition to her work in public education, Carol has taught at the college level and presented on reading and writing instruction at local, state, national, and international conferences. She also represented the United States as a delegate to the Sino-American Educational Forum in China.
Throughout her distinguished career, Carol has earned numerous honors for her contributions to education, including National Board Certification in Early Childhood, the Martha Holden Jennings Scholar recognition, the Ashland Teacher Achievement Award, the A+ Teacher Award, and the Governor's Leadership Award. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she remains committed to advancing literacy and supporting educators and students. She currently serves as a board member in Trumbull County and continues to teach reading groups in her former district, reflecting her enduring dedication to improving reading instruction and educational outcomes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carol
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my creativity, spontaneity, and constant desire to grow and improve. My family has been a major source of support, by continuing to motivatie and encourage professional growth. My husband, in particular, inspired me to attend college, reminding me of my potential impact on the world.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received will always came from my students. They were my sounding board for new ideas or instructional shifts. They way I spoke to them, the image I portrayed and the emotions I brought out in them were indicators of success or concerns.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to enter this field because you genuinely love children. It is not a financially lucrative career, nor does it offer a traditional corporate ladder to climb. Instead, the greatest rewards come from the hugs, connections, and love shared with students and their every day successes. Education is not an easy field, especially with increasing bureaucracy, but if your passion is truly helping children, you will find fulfillment and purpose in your work.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in teaching is maintaining the energy and enthusiasm required every day, especially when day can present challenges that you can't change. It is important to find healthy outlets and ways to recharge. However, one of the greatest rewards is the strong sense of community among teachers. From the moment you join the profession, you become part of a family where colleagues continually support, mentor, and encourage one another.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I prioritize most are empathy, understanding, and respect for other people's perspectives. I believe in validating others, remaining calm when conversations become defensive, and always being willing to apologize if I offend someone. I also believe in having the courage to address difficult topics through honest, open conversations rather than avoiding them.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Carol
An Unforgettable Moment that Charted My Path
How a Teacher's Compassion Transformed a Stuttering Child Into a Rescuer
The first time I realized that I was different was in first grade. I had never noticed my stuttering before, but as I was entering the real world, it became clear that I would have to find a way to conquer this or avoid situations that required talking. At six years old, I really thought I could go through life without saying a single word.
Reading aloud to the class was torture. The minute I knew I had to read, the anxiety started. Some teachers gave me a short part to read, or chimed in when I was stuck. They somehow believed that if I just took my time, I could muddle through it. I hated school, all of it. Even during lunch and recess, surrounded by other children, I was isolated. I wondered how I would ever be able to live a normal life.
In fourth grade, my teacher was Miss Brown. I still remember her beautiful face that reflected her compassion for children. She recognized my problem immediately and never required me to speak in front of the other children. She saw through the desperation in my eyes, who I really was: an intelligent, creative child who was strangled by this malady.
On her birthday, we had a cake and took turns telling Miss Brown how we felt about her. As it became closer to mu turn, instant panic set in. I felt sick. I wanted so badly to tell her that I loved her. None of the other students were aware of my stuttering, but now, they would know. I ran through the rolodex of acceptable words in my head, trying to put together a manageable sentence and practice it in a whisper. When it was my turn, all eyes were on me, everyone was eager to hear from "mouse" (my nickname). I felt sweaty and cold at the same time. I started shaking and could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I had no idea how to escape this.
I raised my hand and as she motioned me up to her desk she said, "Carol, do you want o tell me something? Come on up." My racing heart paused, and my thoughts silenced. She rescued me. The tears came with such a release of emotion. I whispered (stuttering doesn't happen in whispers) "Happy birthday, I love you." She smiled at me so warmly that I grabbed her in a desperate hug and I held on until she finally said, "Okay, then, back to your seat." I didn't even look up. I didn't want to see my judges and invite them into my moment.
It was at the time that I became an advocate for children. I wanted to be a rescuer.
As life went on I became pretty adept at maneuvering around language and discovered that I rarely stutter when talking to children. All the more reason to become a teacher. I wanted to be a haven for them like Miss Brown was for me. She saw children deeply, beyond the subtle smile and into their hearts. Throughout my teaching career, I looked for these children; the quiet, awkward ones with ill-fitting clothes and upkept hair. The lost children hoping for someone to grab them up before they fall. I wanted them to see me as I saw my rescuer; hand to hold, a peaceful presence and a safe place to land.
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