Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has launched the IPS Alumni Spotlight to showcase the diverse paths of its graduates. Recently, Carla McNelly Valladares, a 1981 alumna of Thomas Carr Howe High School, shared her experiences as a student and how IPS educators influenced her career.

Carla graduated seventh in her class at Howe and received a scholarship to Indiana State University. She was among five women to graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer science and a minor in Spanish in 1985. In 1996, she moved to Oregon, joining the University of Oregon where she furthered her education with degrees in Romance Languages and International Studies, eventually earning a doctorate in Critical and Socio-Cultural Studies in Education. Her research focused on bilingual education in Roatán, Honduras. Carla completed post-doctoral work at several universities before returning to serve IPS.

Currently, she teaches English as a New Language (ENL) and Spanish at Crispus Attucks High School.

Reflecting on her time at IPS, Carla stated: "I was 10 when court-ordered busing started in 1973. What I witnessed and what I lived through... shaped the trajectory of my life." She noted memorable moments with teachers like Mr. Finkbinder whose classes challenged her perspectives on equity and human rights.

Carla credits IPS for putting her on the path to becoming an educator: "Because I liked Ms. Patton’s Spanish class... it kept me concentrating on learning despite the chaos that surrounded us."

Discussing skills gained at IPS, she emphasized adaptability: "The ability to survive the crisis of court-ordered busing helped me learn... to keep moving forward."

Despite living elsewhere for many years, Carla always aimed to return home: "Even though I was living in other states, my goal was to return home one day..."

Addressing challenges faced during her time at IPS, Carla said: "My biggest challenge at IPS was witnessing hate... I became more aware of human rights."

Carla remains active within the community by advocating for language learners' rights: "Daily, I advocate for language learners... This year, I served on the ELA Curriculum Committee..."