Episode 29: Interview with Tracy Scott Kelly

Welcome to the Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to change the way we talk, and think, about education. By sharing stories of successes and triumphs, we aim to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations. I’m your host, Charles Williams. An educator for 15 years, a current school principal, and an educational consultant. In this episode, I chat with Tracy Scott Kelly, a ten year veteran of teaching Special Education in California. He has taught grades K-12, and is also both an Adjunct and Full Time Lecturer at the University Level where he works with aspiring General Education and Special Education Teachers. Tracy has earned a B.A. in Economics, an M.A. in Special Education, and is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership. He has even edited six books as he continues to write his own dissertation on the shortcomings of Special Education. During our conversation, Tracy shares his own educational story and how his academic struggles developed a passion for helping students experiencing similar issues. He points out that many school missions and visions sound great on paper but questions if their actions support their words. Tracy, like so many others, speaks out on the facade that is school reform and confesses that little has actually changed. He believes that this is due to educators being forced into positions of managers as opposed to leaders. Tracy encourages us to stop waiting and to start doing ... to speak up and provide the supports to push back against the norms. I hope that you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. Follow Tracy Scott Kelly on Twitter