Carlyn Rahynes

Carlyn A. Rahynes has served as a transformational leader in New York City Public Schools for over twenty years. She has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in 3k-5 learning communities. Currently, Carlyn supervises three Pre-K centers in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. Carlyn finds joy in mentorship and staying abreast in current research and instructional practices in education. Her leadership is so well revered in the field of education she was asked to launch the first 3K in New City Public Schools with the Mayor’s Office and Chancellor’s Office serving as the first district in NYC to welcome children two and three years into her learning space.

Carlyn began her educational journey at Hunter College CUNY, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Sociology with a Master of Science in Education and a Postgraduate degree in Leadership. As an advocate for early childhood education Carlyn believes all children deserve a high-quality education creating learning conditions to build equity, access, opportunity, and developmentally appropriate spaces for all learners. Additionally, Carlyn and her team created a STEAM program for children ages three through five with a focus on infusing CRSE practices across the content areas focusing on identity, culture, community, and belonging elevating the voices of all learners. Furthermore, one may find rich student engagement practices in her learning sites through block study, centers, and play which serves as the bedrock of learning under Carlyn’s distinct leadership.

Carlyn Rahynes has been recognized internationally as a pioneer in early education prompting an invitation from the Quebec Prime Minister of Education who requested her to speak before Parliament to share early childhood practices as well as numerous visits from members of Parliament to her early childhood sites and an ongoing partnership resulting in universal PreK in Quebec, Canada. Consequently, Carlyn has served as an advisor to the early childhood central office for many years and currently serves on the Chancellor’s Principal Advisory Board. It is evident Carlyn Rahynes is dedicated to building leaders, developing the youngest learners and preparing each young learner with the college and career readiness skills needed to succeed in our ever-changing innovative world.

Professional Affiliations

• Gray Fellow (Hunter College)
• NY Education Policy Leadership Program Fellow (Fordham University)
• New York City Public Schools Chancellor’s Principal Advisory Board
• NYC Elementary School Principals Association (NYCESPA)
• National Association for the Education of Young People (NAEYC)