She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in literature methods, writing methods, and young adult literature. Her teaching and research focuses on helping English teachers use literature to do multicultural work, especially in culturally dominant and culturally homogeneous contexts. She completed her doctoral studies at Michigan State University, where she was awarded an Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award from MSU's College of Education. Before entering the doctoral program, Carlin taught English, Drama and Creative Writing in high schools in Michigan and Ohio. While teaching, she earned an MA in Critical Studies in the Teaching of English, also from MSU. She continues to work as a teacher consultant affiliated with the Red Cedar Writing Project in East Lansing and has published several articles in national journals, including English Journal.