Charlane Suarez, Ed.S.
Some people find their calling. Charlane Suarez built hers - classroom by classroom, school by school, decision by decision.
With nearly three decades of experience transforming classrooms, departments, and entire organizations in education from preschool teaching and leadership through 8th grade, across private schools, public schools, and even homeschools, Charlane has never been content to simply occupy a role, she transforms it. As an experienced leader she has rebuilt departmental culture from the ground up in multiple educational environments, implementing systems driven by student achievement, data-driven outcomes, and leading adult education and professional developments that produced measurable gains in teacher growth, student performance, and organizational success. As a two-time entrepreneur, she founded a very successful educational program that served hundreds of students across metro Atlanta, launched an at-risk youth mentorship program designed to cultivate strong community partnerships and positive outcomes for young people who needed them most, and even successfully founded an antique online bookstore. She later executed a full organizational turnaround in a failing childcare center that achieved community respect, organizational accolades, and the priceless knowledge that every child and family in her care were seen, supported, and set up to thrive. She also served as a Reading Specialist for an organization dedicated to serving children and families in the Hispanic community.
What drives Charlane is not a title, it is the belief that every student deserves an educational environment that works, and every teacher deserves a leader who sees them. Her work is grounded in equity, anchored in data, and fueled by the kind of urgency that comes from 29 years of watching what happens when students and families are truly seen, and what happens when they are not. She draws inspiration from mentors and colleagues, including Vera Woods, a renowned retired veteran educator, Laurie Woodruff, a committed and well established administrator and educator, world-class and well respected educational champion Dr. Kathleen Mccaffrey, and Jan Abbott, whose relentless dedication to the mental health of both children and families as a licensed professional counselor has shaped her own leadership approach.
Charlane holds an Educational Specialist Degree from Augusta University and Educational Leadership Certification from the University of West Georgia. She holds multiple endorsements and academic certifications and is currently completing her first book on cognitive overload in schools. She is pursuing administrative roles in Metro Atlanta where her vision, her record, and her refusal to give up on students, families, and colleagues can make the greatest impact.
• Gifted Endorsement P-12
• ESOL Endorsement P-12
• Special Education General Curriculum - Cognitive Level and Consultative P-12
• Elementary Education Certification
• Middle Grades ELA
• High School English
• LETRS Science of Reading
• Middle Grades Reading
• Middle Grades Science
• Middle Grades Social Studies
• Tier One Educational Leadership Certification
• Augusta University – Specialist Degree, Advanced Educational Studies
• University of West Georgia – Tier One Educational Leadership Certification
• University of West Georgia - Masters Degree, Elementary Education
• University of West Georgia - Bachelors Degree, Middle Grades Education
• Influential Women 2026
• Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
• National Education Association
• Kappa Delta Pi
• I choose not to list my volunteer or philanthropic initiatives, as I do not need accolades for doing what is right. I prefer to move in silence.
What do you attribute your success to?
I refuse to be told I cannot achieve anything. When I was 15 years old, I was told by a teacher that I should marry a rich man because I would never amount to anything. I was a troubled teen with a troubled life, and in that moment, despite my challenges, I decided to become a teacher so that I could be the teacher I always wished I had. Because of that moment, I attribute my success to bringing and giving my whole self to my students and my colleagues every day. I focus on meeting my students where they are academically and developmentally, making sure they know I see them, and challenging them to grow into the people this world needs more of - people of integrity, character, and empathy.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came not only from guidance but also from the people who had inspired me along the way. I want to highlight Vera Woods, a lifelong educator who retired after 30 years of teaching and now works with LaAmistad, a nonprofit where I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Reading Specialist. LaAmistad, supports the Hispanic community by providing after-school programs for children, helping them overcome literacy challenges, and gaining confidence in their learning. Next, I want to highlight Dr. Kathleen Mccaffrey, career educator, administrator, and mentor, who provided me with years of support and guidance so that I could become the educator and leader that I am today. Also, I want to highlight Laurie Woodruff, a dedicated veteran educator and administrator who has been an invaluable source of encouragement, patience, and guidance not only for me personally, but also for my career as well. Finally, I want to recognize my friend Jan Abbott, a Professional Licensed Therapist who has spent over 20 years supporting children and families with extraordinary needs both inside and outside of school systems, and now continues her work through her own practice. Jan has been an incredible resource and inspiration to me, showing me what it means to combine expertise, compassion, and dedication over the long term. These women lead with grace and compassion, and have profoundly influenced how I approach teaching, leadership, and service both inside and outside of education.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You are commiting to serve children and families, oftentimes above yourself or your own family, and you need to be in tune with your own gifts, skills, and talents in order to accomplish that goal. Teaching requires bringing everything about yourself to the table- your heart, your mind, and your goals - and using them to make the greatest impact on every tiny human you serve. You literally change the world, one child at a time.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Cognitive overload among teachers and leaders is a system-level issue that extends beyond individual burnout. The way the education system is designed often asks educators and leaders to perform at levels the system itself was never designed to sustain, leading to capacity challenges on every level and in every area. There is an urgent need for collaboration and critical conversations that leads to improvements so that teachers and leaders can continue to succeed sustainably.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The ability to truly see people, engaging with them through empathy and kindness, being a light for others; and lifting people up through simple acts of care and connection.
Locations
Current Employer - Fulton County Schools
Sandy Springs, GA