Carole Eshleman Alda

I attribute my success to discovering and refining my passion within teaching, particularly in early literacy and supporting students with diverse learning needs such as ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. Over my 40-year career, I have focused on intentional, differentiated instruction that keeps students engaged while continuing to grow professionally through two master’s degrees, certifications, and mentoring others. I also believe my resilience has played a key role, including rebuilding my personal life after leaving an abusive marriage, which helped me find my voice and confidence both personally and professionally. Ultimately, I define success not by credentials or years of service, but by the impact I have on students—especially when they feel safe, supported, and valued in my classroom.

My advice to young women entering education is to lead with a coaching mindset rather than an authoritarian one—work alongside your students, guide them, and build relationships rather than simply directing from above. This approach is especially powerful in today’s evolving learning environments, including remote and hybrid instruction, where flexibility, empathy, and engagement are essential. My own experience with online teaching during and after the pandemic strengthened my ability to adapt and reinforced the value of student-centered instruction. That experience has become a meaningful asset as I continue to grow in my career and explore opportunities in curriculum development and teacher coaching, where supporting and empowering other educators is just as important as working with students.

One of the biggest challenges in elementary education right now is the noticeable shift in student behavior and increased social-emotional and behavioral needs following the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes have made classroom management more complex and reinforced the importance of strong behavioral intervention skills and a flexible, student-centered coaching approach. At the same time, this environment has created new opportunities for experienced educators to step into roles such as instructional coaching, curriculum development, and mentoring. My experience with extended online instruction has also strengthened my technology skills and adaptability, allowing me to stay current and explore new ways to support both students and fellow educators in an evolving field.

What matters most to me is that students feel safe, supported, and know they are making progress. One of my most meaningful moments was being recognized by students I didn’t even know as the kindest and most helpful teacher—an acknowledgment that meant more to me than any formal award because it reflected real impact. My teaching is grounded in a coaching mindset, where I work alongside students rather than directing from above, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment. On a personal level, I deeply value resilience, growth, and the empowerment of women, especially as my own journey included rebuilding my life after leaving a long-term abusive marriage and finding my voice again. That experience strengthened my belief in self-worth beyond roles or labels. I also value family deeply, as well as continuous growth and perseverance, which have kept me motivated and passionate throughout my 40-year career in education.