Dr. Carlie Saval named Univ. of Chicago Outstanding Educator

For excellence in teaching and mentorship, the University of Chicago recognized the distinguished work of Upper School science teacher, Dr. Carlie Saval, as a 2022 University of Chicago Outstanding Educator.

For over thirty years, the University of Chicago has asked incoming students to recommend their outstanding educators -- individuals who challenged them intellectually for the first time, opened new vistas of discovery, or channeled their private interests into paths for intellectual growth.

A letter from the University to Carlie read, “Contributions to the academic and personal development of young people are most deserving of recognition... True learning is a collaborative experience that depends as much on the dedication of the teacher as it does on the motivation of the student, and your dedication to your profession is evident. Thank you for your commitment to your students and to the field of education.”

Carlie was nominated by Juliana, a former student, who recently began her matriculation to the University of Chicago.

“Juliana was a freshman my first year teaching IB at St Pete High,” Carlie explained. “She was in my biology class, and I remember her being timid but extremely determined. Because I taught both biology and chemistry, I ended up having her in sophomore chemistry also. She thrived in chemistry! When she asked me to write a college recommendation letter for her and told me that she was planning on majoring in chemistry, I almost cried!”

Mya Verano ‘22 raved about Dr. Carlie to Mr. Schneider, Head of Upper School. Checking in from University of Georgia, she shared, “Taking chemistry with Dr. Carlie sophomore and junior years was a good experience overall. Her classes were really helpful with furthering my learning today in college. I feel like I have an advantage over other people in the course. She taught things in a way that made sense. She taught us good acronyms for things, which help me to remember polyatomic ions or elements at room temp. She always had something that would stick. She’s also a really good person, really sweet and smart. She’s also really organized and I think that’s the only way you can teach a chem course, in my opinion. She had a lasting impact.”