Clary W. Carleton, Richmond Public Schools 2017 Teacher of the Year, could be a prototype for encouraging students to use their spirit of protest productively.

Mrs. Carleton, an English teacher at Open High School, places top value on “the need for a more just society.” She uses her extra time to coordinate field trips to theatrical venues throughout the city for her students and shares her love for literature and the arts.

The most powerful thing about being a teacher, she says, is building meaningful relationships and inspiring her students “to stretch themselves so they can reach their full potential.”

Mrs. Carleton, who has been a teacher since 1999, was among several nominees for the award. She was recognized with the other nominees, during a Nov. 10 ceremony at a Downtown hotel.

As Richmond’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Carleton received a $1,000 cash award, an iPad Air and a complimentary one-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown hotel.

Wells Fargo, the program sponsor, provided cash awards to the top three finalists, as well as iPad Airs to the top 10 finalists.

“Teaching became something I felt called to do because I realized its centrality for individual and social progress,” Mrs. Carleton says.  “I began to understand the transformative power of education.”  

She adds, “I offer students a positive, safe and equitable environment where they are expected to reach toward their best selves and take intellectual risks.”

Her teaching philosophy reads like a graduate level social science course and has been successful in helping her to inspire students. It encompasses three elements, she says: First, a commitment to democratic values and social justice. Second, an appreciation of adolescent intellectual potential as well as their social and emotional needs. And third, the belief that literacy is a path to wisdom and joy.

The biggest problem facing students today, she says, is social media.

“It can encourage constant comparison, a need for validation and incivility. Some students also seem to have shorter attention spans and a desire for immediate gratification — the antithesis of the learning process,” she says. Her recommendation for students?

“We should all be able to unplug for extended periods of time without damage to our psyche.”

Meet the Richmond Public Schools 2017 Teacher of the Year and this week’s Personality, Clary Washington Carleton:

Date of birth: May 1968.

Current residence: Richmond.

Alma maters: Bachelor of arts, art history, George Mason University, 1990; master’s, English literature, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1998; post-baccalaureate certificate, secondary education/English, VCU; post-master’s certificate, educational leadership and policy studies,

University of Richmond, expected May 2017.

Family: Spouse, Lee Carleton, and children, Holden, 8, and Huxley Ann, 5.

I enjoy English because: I get to share my love of language and literature with others.

First teaching job: Midlothian High School in Chesterfield County.

First reaction to top teacher award news: Shock and awe.

How I got the news: At an awards ceremony on Nov. 10.

Why I became a teacher: I wanted to do something purposeful with my life that involved serving others. It was my initial education class at VCU that helped me see the real potential of public education to help individuals and society evolve.

Foremost reward of teaching: Building authentic relationships with students and inspiring them to stretch themselves so they can reach their full potential.

Foremost challenge: There is never enough time to do all that my students need and deserve.

Advice to aspiring teachers: Teaching is hard work that requires sacrifice of time and ego. Teachers need to have seemingly infinite amounts of patience, compassion and intellectual curiosity if they want to have a real impact on students. New teachers should seek out positive support to navigate the often unrealistic demands that are part of the current education system. A sense of humor is vital.

Role of parents in learning process: Parents are an essential ally for any teacher. Gaining the trust and confidence of parents can take time, but it is always time well spent. Parents know their children in a way teachers don’t, and they can provide insight into learning that is invaluable.

How cell phones and social media impact schoolwork: The phone is a constant distraction for my students. Some students have difficulty sustaining deep concentration without becoming distracted by it. Learning often requires more effort, more struggle and more focus than some students expect.

A good teacher is: Patient, kind and encouraging.

A good student is: Open to new ways of thinking and learning.

Favorite subject in school: English, history and art.

Prized possession: A day-of-the-dead cake topper from my wedding cake.

Perfect day: A good hike along the James River with my family.

If I were to choose another career in life, I would: Be a costume maker.

Reason: I love fabric, design, sewing, the theater and playing dress-up.

Three words that best describe me: Curious, passionate and reflective.

The one thing that I can’t stand: The results of the recent presidential election.

Person who influenced me the most: My mother and father — both smart, compassionate and encouraging individuals.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a lyrical novel about the corruption of the American dream, misplaced love and hope.

What I’m reading now: “Saturday” by Ian McEwan.

Next goal: To complete the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program at UR and receive my endorsement in administration and supervision.