Kelen Gailey
Assistent Special Education Transition Coordinator
Bachelor’s Degree, Special Education, Olivet College; Master’s Degree, K-12 Educational Administration, Michigan State University
Kelen Gailey began working at Michigan Connections Academy in 2013 and is the school’s Special Education Transition Coordinator. His favorite part of the job is “working with students and seeing that lightbulb moment when they get something they have been struggling with. … It makes me happy that I was able to help them.”
Why He Became an Educator
According to Mr. Gailey, “I decided to become an educator when I was in the eleventh grade. I had an amazing social studies teacher who connected with students and made learning fun. I also found myself helping other students in my math class and thought maybe that could be what I do when I grow up.
“Our school strives to create an environment for students, families, and teachers that makes them feel supported to be successful in their educational journeys,” he continues. “Every person comes to our school at a different point in their life … each one needing something slightly different.”
The Online School Experience at Michigan Connections Academy
“Schooling online gives families an option to better whatever circumstance they may have held elsewhere,” Mr. Gailey reports. “Maybe more flexibility because of health issues, a safe environment because of bullying, or just being able to slow down the school day because they are not tied to class periods and bells.
“In the 11 years I have been here, Michigan Connections Academy has always tried to help [students, families, and teachers] every step of the way and make the experience a personal one in which people succeed.”
“I enjoy working with students and being able to help them work toward graduating and preparing them for life beyond high school.”
— Mr. Gailey
Preparing Students for a Bright Future
“Michigan Connections Academy really focuses not only on making sure students master the standards of the curriculum, but also on the skills to be successful outside of the classroom,” says Mr. Gailey. “We work on communication skills, completion of tasks, and working with others. All these skills translate to skills used in future jobs and relationships.”