Empowering Voices: Carla Reible’s Journey in Teaching and Learning
For nearly three decades, Associate Professor of English and English as a Second Language (ESL) Carla Reible has been a trusted and inspiring educator at Riverside City College. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to teaching and learning, one deeply influenced by her family of educators and her own diverse teaching journey.
After earning her BA in English and MA in 17th Century Literature/English at Cal State Long Beach, Carla went on to complete a TESOL certificate at UC Irvine. Along the way, she also experienced the community college system as a student, taking courses at Golden West and Coastline Colleges. Carla began her teaching career at Westminster High School before moving into higher education, where she taught ESL, English, and TOEFL preparation at institutions including Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, Cypress College, Moreno Valley College, and Norco College. She officially joined the Riverside Community College District in 1996 and has since become known as a passionate, student-centered professor who empowers her students to take ownership of their learning.
Carla’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the power of students sharing their knowledge with one another. “Everyone is an expert at something,” she says. “When students are able to share what they know with others, they become more confident and engaged, even if they have to do it in a new language, which can be quite scary. Taking that risk and simply talking with others builds trust and begins a cycle in the classroom.”
Her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is especially evident in her recent work with RCC’s Disability Resource Center and Dual Enrollment program, where she helped establish ESL courses for students at the California School for the Deaf. Understanding the barriers faced by Deaf students, who often have American Sign Language as their first language, Carla has taken extra time to learn about their culture and needs, ensuring they feel respected and supported in her classroom.
Her students describe her as not only an accessible instructor but also a caring mentor who goes above and beyond to connect them to resources, provide reminders, and offer flexible ways to bring their life experiences into academic writing. Whether it’s staying late to meet during office hours, sending follow-up emails, or finding creative assignments that reflect students’ realities, Carla consistently demonstrates that she values the whole student.
Colleagues echo the same admiration, noting that she fosters collaborative and respectful relationships across departments and with faculty, staff, and administrators alike.
For all these reasons, Carla Reible is being recognized as this month’s Faculty Spotlight honoree, an award presented by the Student Equity Committee to highlight faculty who advance DEIA and create learning environments where all students can thrive. Carla’s story is a reminder that the heart of teaching lies not just in subject expertise, but in building inclusive communities that encourage resilience, growth, and confidence in every student.
About the Faculty Spotlight Award
The Faculty Spotlight is a monthly recognition presented by Riverside City College’s Student Equity Committee. The award highlights both part-time and full-time faculty who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Faculty who create inclusive classrooms, champion equity for student groups, and strengthen the campus community are celebrated through this honor.
Anyone may nominate a faculty member for recognition. Nominations may reflect sustained DEIA leadership, innovative practices, measurable outcomes, collaborative engagement, or service that dismantles barriers and promotes student success. To submit a nomination, please complete the [Faculty Spotlight Nomination Form].