Teacher Feature 
Mrs. Angie Kelley
4th and 5th Grade Teacher
Lower School Robotics
Mrs. Kelley has over 25 years of teaching in Calhoun County, primarily at White Plains Middle School and Weaver Elementary School. A two-time National Board Certified Teacher, Angie received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from JSU, an M.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama, and has continued studies at both Alabama and JSU. She has been Teacher of the Year numerous times at White Plains and Weaver, Technology Teacher of the Year for Calhoun County, is a seven-time recipient of a Westinghouse Grant, and has received countless other awards and accolades. In addition to her classroom duties, she is an integral part of the Lower School Robotics program.
What do you teach at The Donoho School?
I teach 4th grade Math, English, Reading, History and 5th grade History.
Why do you like teaching at The Donoho School?
The environment at Donoho supports educating the whole child. Each child has the opportunity to learn and explore in academic subjects as well as foreign languages and fine arts. I feel this type of educational experience creates an environment that will benefit them now and beyond Donoho.
What is a unique experience, talent, or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?
I absolutely love to read, and I have a love for History. Each year, I challenge my students to try to read at least 40 books of any length and size. I not only challenge students but also I challenge myself to do the same. I think it’s important to set and accomplish this goal alongside my students.
I have also had the opportunity to participate in a couple of in-depth historical experiences for educators. During the summer of 2015, I spent seven days at the Summer Institute for Teachers at Mount Vernon. I had the opportunity to stay on the property and participate in some unique learning experiences related to George Washington and Colonial America. This past summer, I was selected to attend the “Days with Documents” educator workshop at the Gettysburg Battlefield. Both of these experiences have taught me that there are many unique ways to teach history. These experiences also provided me with resources that I bring back to the classroom on a regular basis.
What do you want your students to gain from having known you?
I want my students to gain a sense of wonder and curiosity and curate questions that drive their own personal learning. I want only the best for them in they do.
What role does technology play in your classroom?
I have always had a love for all things “techy,” and I have never been afraid to try new tech tools with my students. As technology has changed and grown over the years, I have tried to stay on top of how to best incorporate it into my lessons when appropriate. The newest tool that I love using is Virtual Field Trips. It’s fun to take the kids to places that would be hard for us to visit for ourselves. I also enjoy creating e-books with Google Slides and increasing student engagement with Nearpod lessons. It’s really more about how I can use technology to get kids to create something that maybe they would have never done completely on their own. They always amaze me!
