Friday, March 28
Lawrence Business Magazine LLC
Lawrence Business Magazine LLC
2014 Third Quarter - Community Impact

Patrick Kelly

By on 124 Comments
PATRICK KELLY: CREATING A STRONGER COMMUNITY BY EXPANDING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
| 2014 Q3 | story by LIZ WESLANDER    | photos by STEVEN HERTZOG |
Kelly

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.

Kelly

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.”

Kelly

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.’” ■

Share.

Related Posts

124 Comments

  1. Pingback: esports

  2. Pingback: best probiotic for french bulldogs

  3. Pingback: french bulldog puppies near me

  4. Pingback: isla mujeres golf cart rental

  5. Pingback: houston french bulldogs for sale

  6. Pingback: floodle puppies for sale

  7. Pingback: mw2 ESP

  8. Pingback: fortnite ESP

  11. project on

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further post thank you once again.|

  13. 비아그라 구매 on

    My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different page
    and thought I might as well check things out.
    I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.

  15. 비아그라 구매 on

    Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I
    was wondering which blog platform are you using
    for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  20. tuina on

    Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites
    I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always interesting to read
    through articles from other writers and use a
    little something from their websites.

  21. phim sex hiếp dâm tập thể on

    Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your
    site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome site!

  23. technology news on

    hi!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate
    extra about your post on AOL? I need a specialist on this space to unravel my problem.
    May be that’s you! Looking forward to peer you.

  24. Pingback: cod unlock tool

  25. luxury corporates gift on

    I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and
    let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about.
    Now i’m very happy that I found this in my hunt
    for something regarding this.

  26. project on

    Aw, this was a really good post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.|

  28. TYMLESS Home Decor on

    Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t disappoint me just as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, however I actually thought you would probably have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

  32. projectplanning on

    What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to this sensible piece of writing.|

  34. no kyc casino sites on

    hello!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  37. Shiba Inu casino on

    whoah this blog is great i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, lots of people are looking around for this info, you can help them greatly.

  38. kontol besar on

    Excellent blog here! Also your site rather a lot
    up fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  43. Phim người lơn on

    You are so awesome! I do not think I have read through a single thing like this before. So wonderful to discover someone with a few original thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.

  49. Jackpot bet on

    Ӏ like ѡhat you guys are usually ᥙⲣ too.
    Thiѕ type of clever ᴡork аnd coverage! Ꮶeep uр the fantastic worқs guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.

    Ꮇy web blog; Jackpot bet

  51. esta usa visa on

    I simply could not go away your website before suggesting that
    I actually enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your guests?

    Is going to be again regularly in order to check up on new posts

  52. demo slot pg soft on

    I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps
    everybody else encountering issues with your blog.
    It appears like some of the written text on your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let
    me know if this is happening to them as well? This may be a issue with my
    internet browser because I’ve had this happen before. Thanks

  54. XRP price on

    Thanks for the concepts you have discussed here. In addition, I believe there are some factors that keep your motor insurance premium lower. One is, to take into consideration buying cars that are inside good listing of car insurance providers. Cars which are expensive tend to be more at risk of being robbed. Aside from that insurance policies are also using the value of your vehicle, so the costlier it is, then the higher this premium you only pay.

  55. AI Arbitrage on

    Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I have
    read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.

  60. BINOMO on

    I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of space
    . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site.
    Studying this information So i am satisfied to show that I have a very
    good uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed.
    I such a lot surely will make certain to do not forget this web site and provides it a look on a relentless basis.

  61. 88nn.com on

    This is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.

    Brief but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one.
    A must read article!

  62. Hello88 on

    Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include approximately all significant infos.
    I would like to look extra posts like this
    .

  67. ユーロドル 見通し 2015 on

    Backed by a extremely experienced staff of execs who’re expert in inventive conceptualization, proper execution, exact coordination, well timed logistics administration, Tamarind Global can effectively address each facet of leisure, skilled, entertainment or recreational event for your company.

  70. Sitemap on

    I every time used to study post in news papers but
    now as I am a user of net so from now I am using net for posts,
    thanks to web.

  72. سایت شرط بندی معتبر on

    Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and
    I was wondering your situation; many of us have developed some
    nice procedures and we are looking to exchange solutions
    with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  73. gsnslot on

    I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but
    your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future.
    Cheers

  74. slot pg soft mahjong on

    Hello this is kind of 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 knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from
    someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  80. best crypto casinos australia on

    Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid clear concept

  83. slot mpo777 on

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  84. pi coin price on

    I?ll immediately seize your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me recognise so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  88. Scatter Hitam on

    I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

    Review my blog post Scatter Hitam

  91. stock charts s&p 500 on

    Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up
    and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it
    in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

    my web page – stock charts s&p 500

  93. stock charts excel on

    Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your
    articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything.
    Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great photos or video
    clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website
    could undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche. Amazing blog!

    Feel free to surf to my blog … stock charts excel

  94. изолонтейп фольга on

    Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your
    site, how can i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a acceptable
    deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided
    brilliant clear idea

  99. sex thú harrietyeo on

    sex nhật hiếp dâm trẻ em ấu dâm buôn bán vũ khí ma túy bán súng sextoy chơi đĩ sex bạo lực sex học đường tội phạm tình dục chơi les đĩ đực người mẫu bán dâm

  100. esta usa visa on

    Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn.
    That is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your
    useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

  102. sodo66vn.net on

    My family members all the time say that I am wasting my time here at net, but I know
    I am getting familiarity everyday by reading such good content.

  103. JT Reparación de Refrigeradores West Palm Beach on

    First of all I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head before writing.
    I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
    I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the
    first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
    Thank you!

    my web page JT Reparación de Refrigeradores West Palm Beach

  105. gay sex keintonmandeville on

    sex nhật hiếp dâm trẻ em ấu dâm buôn bán vũ khí ma túy bán súng sextoy chơi đĩ sex bạo lực sex học đường tội phạm tình dục chơi les đĩ đực người mẫu bán dâm

  109. free stocks charts on

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and
    even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

    Feel free to surf to my site: free stocks charts

  118. zaczepy do sznurowadeł on

    Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just
    your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all.
    But imagine if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this site could definitely be
    one of the very best in its field. Awesome blog!

  121. free online casino slots on

    I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your site?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
    Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

Leave A Reply