Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly teaches AP U.S. Government and Politics in Richland School District 2 in South Carolina, while also working as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Palmetto State Teachers Association. He was a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year in 2014 and served as a teaching ambassador fellow for the U.S. Department of Education from 2015-2017. Patrick is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Post's By Patrick Kelly

remote learning

I Believe in School Choice, But Only When Those Choices Are Available to Everyone

Two weeks ago, the governor of my state directed $32 million dollars in funds from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund to create scholarships to K-12 private schools. This...

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remote learning

We Cannot Allow Reopening Schools to Be a Political Issue

After four years of being a largely forgotten policy area, PK-12 education suddenly became a national priority last week. Under ordinary circumstances, this should be cause for celebration, but the...

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student support

This School Year Will Not Be Measured by a Test Score

As the calendar turns to April, I typically end up asking myself the same question every school year—“will they remember?” In my case, that question is a result of transitioning instruction to...

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equity

COVID-19 Shows Why We Need Public Schools Now More Than Ever

“Mr. Kelly, what happens next?” As a teacher, I have heard some version of that question countless times in different circumstances over the years. However, I have never faced that question more than...

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Teaching

Not Everything Of Value in Education Can Be Captured By a Number

The past decade is the first that I have spent entirely as an educator, and it is incredible to reflect back on how much things have changed over that time. At the federal level, our education system...

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student achievement

As the U.S. Department of Education Turns 40, the Real Battleground for Kids Lies in the States

This week marks the 40th anniversary of President Jimmy Carter signing the legislation that authorized him to create the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In light of this occasion, you might expect...

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