Before joining the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) in 2021 as a Senior Specialist, Carrie Pullins served as a district mathematics coordinator. In this role, she collaborated closely with instructional coaches, teachers, and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice and improve student achievement in mathematics. This experience deepened her commitment to strong foundational skills, conceptual understanding, and equitable access to high-quality instruction for all students.

Carrie’s initial work with NIET focused on supporting districts across Texas through initiatives such as the Texas Resilient Schools Support Program (Texas RSSP)—a Texas Education Agency (TEA) effort aimed at COVID recovery, learning acceleration, and creating inclusive school environments. Her work centered on data-driven planning and implementation, leveraging practical tools to strengthen instructional systems and support campus and district improvement.

Carrie also served as Director of the TX IMPACT grant, a statewide partnership designed to increase educator effectiveness and improve student achievement in high-need districts. Through this work, partner districts implemented the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement, an evidence-based model that supports multiple career paths, ongoing applied professional learning, instructionally focused accountability, and performance-based compensation.

Carrie currently works with the Tennessee Early Literacy Network, where she designs and facilitates professional learning for district and school leaders across the state. Her work focuses on best practices in early literacy, helping leaders strengthen foundational instruction, use evidence-based practices, and build systems that improve outcomes for young learners.

Carrie is a former TAP Master Teacher, secondary mathematics teacher, and elementary teacher. As a Master Teacher, she was voted District Teacher of the Year by her peers and staff. That same year, her campus earned its first-ever distinction for Academic Achievement in Mathematics due to increased performance in advanced mathematics courses, the SAT, and TSI. Carrie has also received the KENS 5 Excel Award for Excellence in Teaching and the San Antonio Mayoral and County Judge Outstanding Math and Science Teacher Award. These honors reflect her enduring commitment to equity, access, and high-quality instruction for every learner.