Kelly Kennedy
TITLE : Head of Lower School
COMPANY : Episcopal Collegiate School
I firmly believe in the mission of Episcopal Collegiate School, and, along with my colleagues, strive to develop within students respect for all persons, reverence of God and a sense of moral responsibility. We believe in educating the whole child, and we provide a nurturing environment where children are guided on an engaging and inspiring educational journey by dedicated, professional educators. As a school, we are committed to knowing each child well. I believe Episcopal Collegiate School transforms this promise into reality.
Why I Love This
Working with children keeps me young at heart and reminds me what’s important in life. Plus, every day is full of surprises!
Career Goal
Within five years, I’d like to see the Lower School filled to capacity. Long-term, I want to see the children with whom I work become successful, caring adults who are responsible citizens and leaders.
Favorite Workplace Expression: “We will know your child well.”
Best business advice you ever received and who gave it: Simply put, listen first. Parents are passionate about their children. Listening and trying to understand, from a parent’s perspective, before speaking or acting shows you care about building relationships in which the child is always the beneficiary. Who consistently inspires you? The students inspire me. Seeing their eager faces and knowing they trust me implicitly makes me want to do my best every day!
Best Day Ever: I don’t have a single “best” day. The best days are those filled with learning, laughter, love, and even tears. Most recently, the best day was when I came upon a child crying at the front door of the school – not because she was hurt or upset, but because she didn’t want to leave!
Worst Day: It is often the most trying days that ultimately reinforce my purpose as an educator. For it is at the end of a trying day that I re-examine my goals and beliefs, often coming away more committed to my purpose.
Favorite Quote: “Living on purpose requires us to find what we love fiercely, give it all we’ve got and then pass it on, as if it were a torch, to those who follow.” -Dawna Markova
How will you know when you are successful? John Quincy Adams defined how I will know I am successful: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”