Public Education Matters

When he started his teaching career in a pre-K classroom, Columbus Education Association member Larry Carey started a mission to introduce robust vocabulary to his young students who otherwise would likely not have access to rich language opportunities. Although his job title has changed, that work continues with Carey's new children's book, which he is sharing as part of OEA-Retired's Read Across America campaign this year. Carey shares his journey, including why he got involved in OEA-R years before he plans to retire himself. 

• Larry Carey, Columbus Education Association member
  • Mr. Larry Carey is a first year PBIS Coordinator in Columbus City Schools. Prior to this role, he was acting as a teacher on special assignment for the NEA Organizing Fellowship Academy. This exclusive fellowship selected only twelve educators across the country to learn the role of organizing and how to engage, assist, and support educators throughout the United States.
  • Mr. Carey’s journey began as a student in the Columbus City Schools, where he attended Indianola Elementary, Johnson Park Middle, and graduated from Eastmoor Academy in 2003. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in Communication, it only took him a few years to realize that he was not walking in his purpose. In 2014, after working as a Pre-Kindergarten instructional assistant and library aide, Mr. Carey enrolled back in college to obtain his teaching license to pursue his goal as an Early Childhood Educator.
  • During the pandemic, Mr. Carey, an admitted perfectionist, began trying to find other ways to make sure his scholars were learning. He created a YouTube channel for those students who may not have had access to a computer but had access to a tablet or phone. He also began completing the final touches to his book Alliteration Boosts Communication: The ABCs of Vocabulary.
  • This book was two years in the making. He got the idea to write the book from one of the Step-Up observers, who was impressed by his scholars knowing the words elated and melancholy. These words along with a plethora of other high-level vocabulary were what he frequently used in the classroom. There, he began writing down alliterations for every letter. He made sure to use vocabulary words that scholars would not regularly hear in their daily communication. To assist with comprehension of the vocabulary, he also includes the meanings of each word with a well-conceived illustration that helps to explain the meaning.
  • After publishing his book, Mr. Carey created companion activities that align to the National Standards for fellow educators that range from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade. A vast number of the activities focus on letter recognition, sounds, colors, identifying what is occurring in the illustrations, and of course, vocabulary! For the higher grade levels, vocabulary and creating their own alliteration is key to mastery. These activities along with the book can be found on his website: www.larrycareyltd.com.

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