In the fall of 2019, Alecia Myers-Kelley introduced all CTE teachers in the MetroED District Office to a new learning management system. Her plan was to train a few teachers as early adopters and then have them train the remaining teachers for an official launch date in the fall of 2020.

Then COVID struck.

Myers-Kelley moved 24 CTE courses to a virtual environment and used the learning management system to communicate with both students and parents. Immediately, she put in place a procedure for students to pick up Chromebooks and kits to continue their “hands-on learning” at home. To create cohorts, Myers-Kelley consulted with six district directors to offer options that would work for all 42 high schools. She evaluated district size, class size and social distancing on buses to figure out how to get students to campus. It was like solving a Rubik’s cube.

This is but one example of her dedication to delivering a quality CTE experience for each and every student she serves.

At MetroED, Myers-Kelley has been instrumental in developing outstanding programs that reach all students by offering courses that have either articulation or dual enrollment credit with community colleges. Students receive college credit and exposure to college coursework while still in high school, making it more likely they will continue their education.

Myers-Kelley encourages teachers to take a risk and try something new that will ignite the passion within their students to become positive members of their designated industry and community.

What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership? My favorite book on leadership is “Five Disciplines of PLC Leaders,” by Timothy Kanold. One of my favorite quotes by Margaret Mead is, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I’ve ever received is “You are living your résumé 24 hours a day and seven days a week.”

What’s your best strategy for work/life balance? The best strategy for my work/life balance is listening to my body and mind each day. Identifying my own needs each day and meeting them allows me to serve in the best way possible. When I need a walk, I take a walk. When I need a run, I run. When I need quiet time, I ask for it. When I need a friend, I call one.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was adopted and I was a 4H member and I showed goats as a teenager.

What made you want to become a school administrator? I have a great passion to serve those students who are historically underserved. I wanted to change one student’s mind each year about being able to attend college.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are? I think the biggest challenge that administrators overcome is realizing that sometimes the job you want is not the job for you.

What are you most proud of accomplishing? In my current position I had the great opportunity to create two new site leadership teams and I am so grateful for the things they have taught me and am so proud of them both as teams. They are dedicated, willing and making great strides in setting the vision and mission for their sites.

How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? Throughout my career, ACSA has allowed me to meet new people, build relationships and continue learning with and from other administrators.

How has the COVID-19 worldwide health crisis inspired you as an educator? I think the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired me to look for the opportunities to create and maintain new ways to meet the needs of our students, staff and community.