Carol Berner earned an A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard University, and an M.S.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education, where she joined the graduate faculty. She worked with K–12 students and teachers in New York City and Connecticut for 15 years as a classroom teacher, faculty coach and curriculum designer before coming to Smith in 2004.

Research interests include inquiry-based teaching and learning, environmental education and arts integration. Berner coordinates the Water Inquiry group, a collaboration of Smith students and faculty and local K–12 teachers. Students interested in joining Water Inquiry are encouraged to contact her. Berner is regional coordinator of River of Words, a place-based education initiative integrating watershed science, literacy and the arts in the Connecticut River Valley.