Celeste Riley
Celeste Riley is a passionate and bilingual educational leader dedicated to advancing literacy, technology, and equity for diverse learners. With extensive experience as a reading specialist, CS educator, and lead teacher, she has earned recognition for her innovative approach to instruction and mentorship, including multiple nominations for Teacher and Reading Specialist of the Year. Celeste combines culturally relevant pedagogy, structured literacy, and AI-powered tools to ensure all students—whether multilingual learners or adult English language learners—have access to rigorous and empowering education.
Throughout her career, Celeste has served in a variety of roles, including Dual Language 5th grade teacher at Memphis-Shelby County Schools, adult ESL instructor with AmeriCorps VISTA, and course facilitator for the National Parent Leadership Institute. She has leveraged these positions to mentor colleagues, train teachers, and lead initiatives that close educational gaps and promote systemic change in K-12 and higher education. Celeste is also the founder of CelestED Consulting PLLC, where she partners with schools and families to drive transformative outcomes for English language learners through her research-backed L³²AI methodology—Language × Literacy × Logic.
Celeste holds a Master of Liberal Studies in Educational Psychology from the University of Memphis and a Reading Specialist credential from Christian Brothers University. Fluent in Spanish and English, she is committed to empowering students and educators alike, blending real-world skills such as coding and communication with literacy instruction. Outside the classroom, she volunteers extensively, supporting youth, families, and underserved communities, reflecting her deep commitment to service, mentorship, and educational equity.
• Teaching Techniques: Creating Effective Learning Assessments
• Christian Brothers University
• University of Memphis- M.L.S.
• Southwest Tennessee Community College- A.S.
• Southwest Tennessee Community College- Associate's
• Student Outstanding Achievement Recognition Finalist
• MIFA
• First Baptist Church of Macon
• Ashe Pregnancy Center
• Buffalo Baptist Church
• AmeriCorps VISTA
• FLETCHER MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my love for teaching and helping students grow, combined with my dedication to supporting their development as a multilingual educator and mentor. Being recognized as Teacher of the Year reflects my commitment to meeting each student’s unique needs.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be yourself and always have confidence in your abilities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are family, adventure, and quality time—whether that’s riding motorcycles with my husband or spending meaningful moments with my daughter.