Spotlight: Kimberly Alexander Carlo (NY '23)

Having mentors who shaped her into the educator she is today helped New York Milken Award Winner Kimberly Alexander Carlo forge her own path as a science educator. From a young age, Kimberly felt the calling to become a teacher and now, in her own classroom, builds relationships with her students through mentorship. “I hope my students remember how they felt in our class and that it was a kind, caring, inclusive space full of wonder, awe and curiosity.” Kimberly received a 2023-24 New York Milken Educator Award in Youngstown on November 15, 2023.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

Kimberly Alexander Carlo (NY '23): My students (past and present) are amazing! They have been very kind and supportive and I am so grateful to them for all of their congratulatory comments.  

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator?

Alexander Carlo: My mentors through the years have shaped me into the educator that I am today. For most of elementary school I wanted to be just like my second grade teacher, Mrs. Parrotta. When I reached high school, I really debated whether I wanted to work in K-12 or higher education and many of my teachers helped me to determine what was most important to me. I am especially grateful to Mr. Kankolenski, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Gagnon, and Mrs. Sanchez for the guidance they gave me in my senior year. In college my mentors were Dr. and Professor Edwards. They taught me to love the process of science. In graduate school it was (and continues to be) Dr. Vermette. After completing his general methods course, I realized I wanted to be able to teach like him, seamlessly blending theory into practice. Throughout my life, each of my role models has helped me to follow in their footsteps while at the same time forging my own path.  

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. 

Alexander Carlo: So much has changed since my first year of teaching! My pedagogy has evolved greatly and I have a much better handle on juggling all the extra “hats” one has to wear as a teacher. As most teachers will tell you, the first year is challenging. I believe that my transition was smoother, however, because of the support of all of the staff in my building. I actually began as a long-term substitute about a week before winter break. I would not have made it through the first year without the help of: my mentor teacher, Mrs. Buck; my special education teacher, Mr. Jaruszewski; our teacher’s aide, Mrs. Irish; our main office secretary, Mrs. Gentile; our amazing custodial staff; and the rest of the team. Everyone in the building made me feel welcome and helped me navigate the challenges that come with being a new teacher.  

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

Alexander Carlo: I hope my students remember how they felt in our class and that it was a kind, caring, inclusive space full of wonder, awe, and curiosity. I hope they remember having fun while learning science. I hope they remember working together with their peers to answer their own questions about our anchoring phenomena! 

MFF: You studied biology and environmental studies during your time as an undergraduate student at Niagara University. What inspired your decision to pursue a career in education? 

Alexander Carlo: Teaching was always my goal. In high school, I was torn between K-12 education or  higher education so I decided to get my B.S. in science knowing that I could then continue for a doctorate (to become a professor) or advance to my masters in education to pursue K-12. I wanted to focus on teaching rather than research and I wanted the opportunity to mentor and build relationships with each of my students. Because of this, I decided that K-12 education was a better fit for me. My parents were the ultimate source of support in making my decision during my last year of undergraduate work and I am forever grateful to them for all they have done for me! 

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

Alexander Carlo: You have to love it, but if you do love teaching then there is no other job for you! My advice to new teachers is to laugh with your students at least once a day. My advice to those considering the profession is to get into a classroom and find a mentor teacher. Whether you shadow someone or become a substitute it is important to spend time with the students to determine if it’s the best fit for you. Once you’ve decided to pursue it, I urge you to find a mentor. Look for a teacher whose style you want to emulate (but not copy) and find one who will take the time to help you reach your goals.

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days?

Alexander Carlo: I am honored to be able to continue scholarship work with Dr. Paul Vermette (from Niagara University). We’ve worked on a number of projects together. My research passion is social and emotional learning. Right now, I am very excited about a “scientist-of-the-month “ program that I developed to incorporate SEL and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) initiatives  into the science classroom. The program has allowed me to open students’ eyes to the multitude of career opportunities in science today and I am excited to continue to improve on this work.  

Watch our interview with Kimberly Alexander Carlo (NY '23) on the day of her Milken Award notification: