Charlene Tuttle is the 2019 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year, and is currently a grade 6 science and social studies teacher at Lawn Avenue Middle School in Jamestown, Rhode Island, where she has taught for 20 years. She has also worked as a facilitator for 12 years, training teachers in inquiry-based science in Rhode Island and at The Connecticut Science Center. In Rhode Island and California, Tuttle has taught students of all ages, from kindergarten through adult.

Her passion for teaching is fueled by her own learning. These learning experiences include a fellowship on a scientific exploration vessel in the Pacific Ocean, a climate change workshop at Penn State, studies of Narragansett Bay, and field research in Colorado.

Tuttle is adept at building bridges from the classroom to real-world applications for her students. She creates opportunities for her students to ask questions and seek answers. She works collaboratively with school and community members to inspire all students to be informed, engaged citizens both in and out of the classroom. Using STEAM-driven lessons, her students are actively engaged in projects and work with political and science experts at school and in their communities.

She serves on state and local committees to continue to advance science education and student achievement. 

Originally a native of Rhode Island, Tuttle has traveled extensively. She earned her teaching certificate in California, where she taught environmental education, bilingual education, and ESOL. However, she has found her way back to Rhode Island, which she again calls home. 

Tuttle holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Eckerd College.