Edison Kelly started in education as a paraeducator and campus supervisor. He eventually went back to school and pursued an associate degree in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. He began teaching as a substitute teacher until landing his first teaching position teaching 6th grade English language arts and social studies. Eventually went back into the classroom where he was a paraeducator. A special education teacher. He taught there and eventually landed a high school teaching position teaching social science while coaching high school basketball. Listening to his mentors he applied and started as a middle school Vice Principal for 4 years and later a high school Assistant Principal. During his time he started a program called the Emerging Gentlemen Program and Ladies in Training program geared towards mentorship and guidance for African American and Latino students. This program provided workshops and leadership development. The two programs organized school wide events and community service.
After about 4 years he landed his first Principal position working alternative education during his time there he developed a concept Relevant Educational Learning, a concept that shaped his response to supporting marginalized students of color. He started project based learning programs such as a radio station, community garden, community art program, and a spoken word program. He worked in this position for 7-8 years until moving to a director position in student services.
During this time he worked with his district to reduce suspensions and expulsions, before moving back into Alternative Education. Now focusing on work at a Community Day School he developed a program now called the Eagle Program, which is a program designed to support Community Day Schools.
Through this program students were able to develop confidence and drive to succeed. He is now a Director of student services for the Vallejo City Unified School District. His expertise has been in alternative education and student services working with at-promised students. He has developed curriculum for juvenile detention centers and has started a successful young men program.
He also works as Director for the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program a college preparatory program primarily for African American students. He also restarted the Omega Gentlemen Program that has been around since 2014 and has grown and well known throughout Solano County and Northern California. Through his work with the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program over 90% of students participating in the program have been accepted into many colleges.
He is the father of 6 children, and a deacon at his church and the grandfather of 8 children.
He is a deacon at his church for over 20 years and a grandfather of 8
