Kell off-the-wall when it comes to teaching
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“Half of my students probably think I’m insane,” said Kell. “I’ll sing, dance, run around the room. I’ll make up crazy sayings and slogans to help them remember — anything to get and keep their attention so they’ll learn.”
While now enjoying the challenges of the classroom, teaching was not Kell’s first career choice. Her degree, earned at MTSU, is in geo-science with an emphasis in park service and a minor in recreation.
But upon her graduation in 1995, there were no state park service jobs to be found, this despite her performance on the state’s park ranger exam, which she finished second in all Tennessee.
Seeking to use her degree in some way, as opposed to taking a job in fast food, she found work as a tour guide at Cumberland Caverns. Shortly thereafter she was hired at Old Stone Fort State Archeological Site in neighboring Coffee County. She worked there briefly before returning to the cave as the Cumberland Caverns office manager.
These jobs, Kell said, allowed her a combination of science work along with allowing her to work with children and to educate people. As she enjoyed this combination, she came to the conclusion she would like to teach.
She returned to MTSU, first part-time, then full-time, until she completed the work needed for her teaching certificate. Now that she’s in classroom, Kell said the most important things she’s learned is to never give up on any students.
“I told my students on the first day that I had no preconceptions about them, or their ability, based on their color, socio-economic status, gender, etc. I told them I believe they can all succeed if they want to. I always continue to try and reach every one of them – you can’t always do it – but you can’t stop trying,” she said.
As a first-year teacher, she noted her free time is at a minimum, as she stays busy grading papers, preparing for the next day or next week and devising ways to connect with students. If she can find time, however, she and husband, Keaton, enjoy such outdoor activities as camping, backpacking, caving and going to the lake.