| 2014 Q3 | story by LIZ WESLANDER | photos by STEVEN HERTZOG |
Director of Career and Technical Education for USD 497, Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly is a flexible guy. During the course of his career in education, he has gone from high school band director to Director of Career and Technical Education for USD 497. Through it all, a sense of humor and an enthusiasm for education have remained constant.
“I care a lot about creating great experiences for kids – experiences that prepare them for whatever their life is going to become,” Kelly said.
Originally from Long Beach, California, Kelly studied Fine Arts and Music Education at the University of Kansas. His first teaching job was at Highland Park High School in Topeka, where he spent six years as the band instructor. He then moved back to Lawrence, where he taught band at Hillcrest Elementary School, West Junior High School and Free State High School for seven years. Having earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration at KU along the way, Patrick started to make the transition from teacher to administrator in 2006 when he took on USD 497’s District Curriculum Specialist for Fine Arts position while also continuing to teach band.
Being in both the classroom and administration was tough, Kelly said, so when the district offered him a full-time administrative position that meant working as District Curriculum Specialist for both Fine Arts and Career and Technical Education, he went for it.
“They said they had a spot for me doing administration full-time, but said I’d have to do technical education,” Kelly said. “I told them, I don’t even know what that is, but okay.”
To prepare for his new position, Kelly said, he spent the summer barricaded in his office reading materials about career and technical education. Materials that he said were largely gathered for him by an “amazing” administrative assistant, Patty Buccholz.
Kelly is frank about the differences between teaching and administration. He admits to missing the arts and the classroom at times, but said he is also inspired by the potential his administrative position provides for making large-scale impacts.
“Every teacher who has gone into administration will tell you the same thing on this one – nothing is more exciting than working with a classroom of kids,” Kelly said. “Your scope is deep with those kids, but it’s small in total reach.”
Kelly jokes that the nice thing about working in the arts is that people literally applaud when you complete your work, which provides immediate and audible validation. As a band teacher, Kelly’s students had always chosen to be in his class, and were usually excited about the material. Kelly said administration is more about setting up other people for success, which means finding satisfaction in seeing others accomplish their goals.
“As an administrator you are really in more of a supportive role,” Kelly said. “That’s fun, but it’s different. I really delight in the success of others.”
In July 2013, Kelly’s potential to set up others for success reached a new level when he acquired his current position. The job came on the heels of the $92.5 million school bond issue approved by voters in April of 2013. The bond issue included $5 million for the construction of a 30,000-square-foot College and Career Center at 29th and Haskell Ave. The new building will be a place for high school juniors and seniors to practice 21st century skills that will prepare them for secondary education and high-demand careers. As director, Kelly is charged with getting the center off the ground and keeping it running smoothly once it is open.
Kelly’s enthusiasm about the College and Career Center comes through clearly when he describes both the building and the type of teaching and learning that will occur there. He emphasizes that the center will focus on creating authentic, work-based experiences for students in an environment that does not feel like high school.
Students working in the Free State High School sound lab. The College and Career Center will create authentic, work-based experiences for students.
“Spaces for learning in experience-based education look very different than a traditional classroom. You need to have studio spaces for students can create products that show their ideas. You also need to have smaller spaces where students can meet to discuss ideas,” Kelly said. “The whole idea of rows of classrooms that you see in a typical high school is gone.”
The College and Career Center’s curriculum will include instruction in a variety of vocational areas including health care and biotechnology, computer integrated manufacturing, information technology, and law in government. The school district will partner with area community colleges to offer entry-level courses in these areas and will provide opportunities for students to obtain professional certificates, such as Certified Nurses Aide. Students at the center will also be working with businesses to understand and practice relevant skills.
“Businesses are looking for people with portfolios of real work with real employers,” Kelly said. “A key part of keeping curriculum relevant at the College and Career Center will be to engage with employers to see what skills they are looking for and what they have the capacity to support. The skills needed are changing every day. We need to be listening to business and industry.”
In addition to the flexible learning environment and innovative curriculum, Kelly said that the paradigm for teaching at the College and Career Center will look different than what a lot of teachers are used to.
“The idea that our teachers will impart knowledge to our students is not the main mindset here,” Kelly said. “The idea is to facilitate experiences for student to learn and for them to show what they’ve learned. Teachers will be doing project management, which is very different than ‘Open your books to chapter seven.’”
Currently, a larger number of high school seniors in Lawrence choose to graduate early. According to Kelly, the fact that high school students are not taking advantage of this last year of free schooling speaks directly to the need for the type of engaged learning experiences the College and Career Center will provide.
“This is a time to be learning and trying and experiencing and instead kids are saying, ‘I’m done,’” said Patrick. “We need to make learning so engaging that students can’t wait to get to school and work on their projects. I still believe we can do that with high school kids. I don’t think they are done.”
Free State High School Video Production Instructor, Scott Smith with Kelly. High school students are not taking advantage of their last year of free schooling, emphasizing the need for engaged learning experiences the College and Career Center will provide.
According to Kelly, on a community level, the College and Career Center will help fill an educational gap that has been present in Lawrence for a long time. Although Lawrence is a community that values high levels of education, Kelly said that anyone seeking technical skills not offered at the university has always had to travel to surrounding communities to get that education. To help remove these barriers, the Economic Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County is developing the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center on the property adjacent to the College and Career Center, which will provide additional technical training for adults in the Lawrence community.
Outside of his work at the school district, Kelly participates in a number of civic opportunities that help him maintain balance and stay inspired. He said he does “as much musical theater as people will tolerate” at Theater Lawrence and the Lawrence Arts Center and also serves on the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission.
“I love trying to get more people more exposure and access to the arts in every day life. Plus it helps me reconcile my no longer being involved in teaching fine arts anymore,” Kelly said. “There’s a lot of energy behind the arts in Lawrence right now.”
Kelly also serves on the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission, an opportunity that gives him the chance to engage with the community on a different level. Because the planning commission often deals with issues that affect people’s neighborhoods, they often listen to community members who don’t regularly interact with local government. According to Kelly, the commission works hard to follow a trustworthy process that allows the community to feel like they have a voice in what the community looks like in the future. Kelly hopes this process gives people a good feeling about local government.
“You get to meet all kinds of people and understand the community in a way I never have before,” Kelly said. “I get to really practice the act of leadership – not just being an authority figure, but practicing civic engagement and leadership.”
Kelly credits Leadership Lawrence, a professional development program put on by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, and the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita for helping him to look critically at how he approaches leadership.
“It’s not just understanding your community. It’s having the skills to be impactful in our community. It’s one thing to know what the issue is, it’s another thing to act upon that knowledge,” Kelly said. “It’s about asking ‘How do I get involved?’ in a way that will be effective, but that also recognizes that, ‘Hey, maybe I’m part of the problem.’” ■
76 Comments
Pingback: probiotic dog treats
Pingback: best probiotic for english bulldog
Hi there mates, nice piece of writing and pleasant arguments commented here, I
am actually enjoying by these.
Visit my site … internet bestellen in Hongarije
I always used to read article in news papers but now as I am a user of net so from now I am using net for content, thanks to web.|
games-sun.online không hỗ trợ đa ngôn ngữ, gây khó khăn cho người nước ngoài
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for wonderful information I was looking for this
information for my mission.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for link gacor
Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly, this website is in fact good and the users are in fact sharing good thoughts.|
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I
thought this post was good. I do not know who
you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger
if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
Review my web site :: internet zonder contract Hongarije
best online doctor for antibiotics buy antibiotics for uti antibiotic without presription
buy antibiotics from india: buy antibiotics online uk – best online doctor for antibiotics
Valuable info. Fortunate me I found your web site by chance, and I’m surprised why this accident did not took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
A big thank you for your article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
game789a.club chơi lúc cao điểm thì lag liên tục không thể thao tác
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I have read this publish and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things
or advice. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles
referring to this article. I wish to learn even more things about it!
Yet another thing is that when looking for a good on the web electronics store, look for online shops that are consistently updated, maintaining up-to-date with the hottest products, the top deals, and helpful information on products. This will ensure you are doing business with a shop that really stays over the competition and give you what you should need to make knowledgeable, well-informed electronics buying. Thanks for the important tips I have learned from the blog.
Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually
code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so
I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
My webpage; internetaanbieders Hongarije
Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get
there! Thank you
Wonderful website. Lots of helpful information here. I?m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly, this site is best internet in Hungary fact pleasant and the
users are really sharing pleasant thoughts.
This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader
entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how
you presented it. Too cool!
Here is my web-site :: internet voor emigranten
Ero Pharm Fast cheap ed meds online Ero Pharm Fast
Very good blog you have here but I was curious if
you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics
discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of community where
I can get responses from other knowledgeable people
that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions,
please let me know. Many thanks!
Here is my site; monthly internet Hungary
It’s impressive that you are getting ideas from this piece of writing as well as from our argument made here.
Have a look at my blog post – order internet Hungary
pharmacy online australia: Medications online Australia – PharmAu24
Having read this I thought it was extremely informative.
I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this information together.
I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
I’ve been noticing more brain fog lately and this sounds like
something I might actually try. Has anyone here used The Memory Wave for a few months?
Curious to hear about real results before I order!
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are
using? I’m experiencing some minor security issues
with my latest site and I would like to find something more
safe. Do you have any suggestions?
Have a look at my website Hungary internet providers
What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and
it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other users like its aided
me. Good job.
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as well as the content!
my homepage; Hungary internet packages
Over the counter antibiotics for infection Biot Pharm cheapest antibiotics
Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!|
Buy medicine online Australia: Online drugstore Australia – Buy medicine online Australia
Hello there! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got right here on this post. I am returning to your web site for more soon.|
hello there and thank you for your information – I’ve definitely picked up
something new from right here. I did however expertise some technical
issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the web
site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not
that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect
your placement in google and can damage your high quality score
if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much more of your respective interesting content.
Make sure you update this again very soon.
My web site :: internet Hongarije maandcontract
Hi, I read your blog regularly. Your writing style is witty, keep it up!
my web blog … Hungary internet providers
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying internet for expats Hungary a while but I never seem to get there!
Cheers
I know this website offers quality based content and additional material, is there any other website which gives such information in quality?|
When you’re based in sunny places like Perth, life’s all about chasing the rush, whether it’s dropping into
a monster wave or going all in on your favourite online pokies.
Whether I’m chilling after a morning surf or
just riding the weekend buzz, these platforms deliver everything from fast gameplay to killer jackpots.
I’ve always been a high-risk kind of player, in and out of the water, and Aussie online casinos
feed that hunger for action with their insane variety of games and bold bonus offers.
The graphics are next-level, the bonuses are generous, and most importantly, the games are legit and the thrill is real.
If you’re like me—chasing thrills, living
wild, and loving the sun, sand, and stakes—then don’t sleep on Aussie online casino platforms.
Ready to ride the wave of online luck? Don’t miss your chance—visit this page and see where the action takes you!
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work
so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a
look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb blog!
I pay a visit daily a few websites and sites to read content, except this blog
offers quality based writing.
Here is my blog post; beste internet in Hongarije
whoah this weblog is magnificent i like studying your posts.
Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of persons are looking round for this information,
you can aid them greatly.
I visited many sites but the audio quality for audio songs current at this web
site is truly marvelous.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!|
Your style is really unique in comparison to other folks I have read
stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the
opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this
page.
my web-site – Hungary broadband deals
I’ve been browsing online greater than three hours today, but I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It’s beautiful worth sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will likely be much more useful than ever before.|
My family members every time say that I am killing my time
here at net, except I know I am getting experience everyday by reading such
pleasant articles or reviews.
Here is my web page … internet voor emigranten
Hi there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price?
Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
Big shoutout to Marijuana Mike for putting me on to deadievolgenetics.com
pharmacy — fast shipping and no hassle.
Online drugstore Australia Online drugstore Australia Discount pharmacy Australia
over the counter antibiotics: buy antibiotics online – over the counter antibiotics
Hello there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Here is my blog: Hungary internet packages
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.|
Hello to every one, it’s genuinely a nice for me to pay a visit this
site, it includes useful Information.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It wifi in Hongarije fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how
could we communicate?
Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.|
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later. All the best
Hey there great website! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of work? I have very little expertise in programming but I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I simply had to ask. Cheers!|
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!|
low cost ed meds: where can i buy erectile dysfunction pills – Ero Pharm Fast
When you’re based in sunny places like Byron Bay, life’s all about taking risks, whether it’s dropping into a monster wave or going all in on your
favourite online pokies.
Whether I’m chilling after a morning surf or just riding the weekend buzz,
these platforms deliver everything from fast gameplay to killer
jackpots.
If you love living life on the edge like I do, these Aussie casino sites are your playground.
The graphics are next-level, the bonuses are generous, and most importantly, the games are legit and the thrill is real.
Aussie online casinos are the perfect combo of laid-back
lifestyle and high-octane fun.
Want to experience the rush I’m talking about?
Hit up this site and see for yourself.
Having read this I believed it was really informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this content together.
I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I have read
stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.
cialis generique: acheter Cialis sans ordonnance – cialis sans ordonnance
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if
it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Here is my web-site; Farm House in Hyd
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog
and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the closing phase 🙂 I take care of such information a lot.
I used to be seeking this certain info for a very long time.
Thanks and good luck.
my webpage – get certified
I all the time used to read paragraph in news papers but now as I am a user of web so from now I am using net for content,
thanks to web.
My site … AI Training Data
I’ve been browsing online more than three hours lately, yet I by no means
discovered any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth sufficient for me. In my view, if all webmasters and
bloggers made excellent content material as you probably did,
the web shall be a lot more useful than ever before.
My blog post seo template generator
whoah this weblog is fantastic i love studying
your articles. Keep up the good work! You understand, lots of persons are looking round for this info, you could
aid them greatly.
Feel free to surf to my webpage – internetdiensten in Hongarije
games-sun.online không hỗ trợ đa ngôn ngữ, gây khó khăn cho người nước ngoài
kamagra oral jelly: kamagra 100mg prix – achat kamagra
There is certainly a great deal to find out about this issue.
I love all of the points you made.
My webpage … Real-Time AI Model
Viagra generique en pharmacie prix bas Viagra generique Viagra vente libre allemagne
Greetings! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick
shout out and say I truly enjoy reading through your blog posts.
Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics?
Thank you!
Feel free to visit my site … Price monitoring dashboard
Medyum Haluk hoca