Supporting teachers in implementing hands-on, inquiry-based STEM education that inspires curiosity and improves learning outcomes.Curriculum Development
Designing culturally relevant STEAM lessons infused with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to honor diverse ways of knowing.Program Evaluation
Helping schools and organizations assess, measure, and improve their equity and inclusion initiatives for marginalized communities.Financial Literacy & Retirement Planning
Providing individuals with essential tools for budgeting, investing, and preparing for long-term financial security.Leadership Workshops
Merging social science, social justice, and STEM to help senior leaders recruit, support, and retain individuals of color.
Our Mission
We are committed to empowering educators, professionals, and organizations with the tools they need to create inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning environments.
Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, nonprofit leader, or a professional planning for the future, Teach4Learning is here to support your journey.
10+ Years Advancing equity-centered education & STEM engagement 4,000+ Geoscientists Supported through national anti-racism curriculum 100+ Educators Trained Across K–12, higher education & community programs 23 Students Mentored Plus nearly 50 high school & community college mentees 10+ Research Publications Featured in leading STEM & education journals 5 Major Awards Recognizing excellence in DEI, leadership & teaching 7+ STEM & EDI Institutions Served UCSD, Scripps, SMU, Bridge Builders LA & more Multi-Level Program Evaluation Driving measurable improvement in STEM, EDI & leadership initiatives
🌟 ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Leadership grounded in research. Impact driven by equity. Vision shaped by community.
Meet Carlene Burton
Founder | Research Data Analyst II | Director of Community Outreach & Engagement
Carlene Burton is a distinguished social scientist, program evaluator, and equity-focused leader with more than a decade of experience advancing STEM education, guiding social justice initiatives, and empowering communities across academic, nonprofit, and professional spaces.
She specializes in leadership in higher education, anti-racism policy implementation, and K–Gray STEM engagement, bringing a rare blend of research expertise, curriculum design, and institutional insight to every project.
💡 What Drives Her Work
Carlene’s mission is to help leaders, educators, and organizations create inclusive, culturally responsive, and transformative learning environments.
Her work supports those historically marginalized in education—ensuring that equitable systems are not just imagined, but implemented with measurable impact.
🎓 Academic Excellence
Ph.D. in Education (Leadership in Higher Education) – in progress Northcentral University
Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction in STEM Concordia University, Portland
Her academic work includes a dissertation focused on how senior academic leaders navigate DEI policy implementation and research on culturally responsive STREAM education.
🌍 Career Highlights & Leadership Roles
Program Evaluator, Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS), UC San Diego
Director of Community Outreach & Engagement, StartBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator
Program Evaluator, Collaborative Ocean Research Experience (CORE)
Co-Leader, Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) — supporting 4,000+ scientists
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Team Member, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Lead Coordinator, Bridges to Ocean STEM Careers
Research Specialist & Instructional Coach, Southern Methodist University
Former Vice Principal, classroom teacher, and curriculum developer in Jamaica & the U.S.
Her leadership consistently bridges academia, community, youth engagement, and institutional transformation.
🏆 Honors & Recognition
UC San Diego Inclusive Excellence Award (2023)
AGU Science & Society Team Award (2022)
Teacher of the Year (2005, 2007)
Finalist, DC Public Charter All Stars
Her achievements reflect her commitment to mentoring, equity, academic excellence, and community advancement.
📚 Impact Through Research
Carlene’s scholarly contributions appear in:
Earth’s Future
Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Multiple STEM evaluation technical reports
Publications on anti-racism, organizational change, and equitable science education
She is widely recognized for helping institutions transform DEI commitments into actionable, measurable strategies.
🌱 A Leader Committed to Community
Carlene has mentored:
23 graduate and undergraduate scholars, and
nearly 50 high school students in STEM pathways.
Her mentorship creates lasting impact, shaping future leaders, scientists, and educators.
