Vanessa Carter

I've been an educator for 26 years, starting with my first teaching experience in March of 1999. Throughout my career, I've held several roles including transportation coordinator, academic dean (which is basically the role of an assistant principal, focusing on students that struggle with their academics), and student support specialist where I supported students throughout their academic career during the years we experienced COVID. I've also been an instructional coach at a Montessori school, serving in leadership and coaching roles, and I spent years as a mentor to other teachers. Currently, I'm in my third year as a STEM teacher for 5th grade, teaching science, technology, engineering, and math in a makerspace lab that was created through a grant from Southeastern United Way of Detroit. Even though I'm in the classroom now, I still find myself coaching a lot of teachers - they reach out to me for information and insight based on my experience, and I consider that my most rewarding work. I'm trained in Orton Gillingham to help students who face challenges with reading, and I've attended countless professional development sessions over the years that have added to my experience and journey as an educator. I also serve on our district's Academic Advisory Task Force, where I'm responsible for reviewing the grading policy and grades.