Carly Felts teaches English as a second language at Providence Middle. She joined Chesterfield County Public Schools in 2015 as a summer school teacher at Greenfield Elementary, which she had attended as a child. Other assignments have included collaborative teaching across the curriculum at Providence Middle and Chalkley Elementary.

M.J. Rodney, principal of Providence Middle, said, “Carly Felts has an exceptional ability to connect with her students, establishing trusting relationships that empower them to thrive. She takes the time to understand each student’s unique needs and challenges, providing tailored support that helps them achieve their full potential. Whether through collaborative planning sessions, sharing innovative teaching strategies or providing emotional support during challenging times, she is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her positivity and enthusiasm inspire those around her, creating a collaborative spirit within our school community.”

Carly wrote this about her philosophy of teaching, “A student's basic needs must be met before they can thrive academically. … Many families have financial difficulties, housing insecurity, language barriers and face the challenge of balancing multiple jobs. … I prioritize a holistic approach to education that addresses students’ basic needs while emphasizing social-emotional learning and cultivating resilience.”