Leon Buford-Kelly

LEXINGTON, KY

I attended Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY were I received my bachelor’s degree in Education. After graduation, I moved to Minneapolis, MN to teach and pursue my Master’s degree which I received in Education at the University of St. Thomas. Searching for more knowledge, I went back to University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN to obtain my Education Specialist degree in Administration.

Currently, I am an administrator in Fayette County Public Schools in Kentucky. I am also licensed to teach and be an administrator in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Educating people in different and engaging ways is what I love to do! I have been in the education field for over 17 years. In education, I have created mentoring programs for elementary, middle, and high school boys that are at risk. As a teacher of 9 years, I have taught on the elementary and middle school levels. Also, I was an adjunct professor at Western Kentucky University for 5 years. In addition to being a teacher, I have been an administrator for over 7 years. Moreover, I have been blessed to work with middle school students as an administrator to help them develop a positive mindset so they can grow into productive young men and women before reaching high school.
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As an educator, I’m always looking for exciting and mind changing professional developments. Attending the Gurian Institute was just that.. exciting and mind changing. This Institute helped confirm that I am on the right path of reaching my male students in my current after school program, Kappa League, a male leadership mentoring program. The Gurian Institute helped me curve behavior and attitudes in different ways that boys’ brains understand and respond to in a positive way.  The major piece of the puzzle that I was missing was how boys’ brains are very different from girls’ brains. Attending Gurian Institute gave me that “Aha moment”.  I am eager to share my knowledge and growth with educators that are trying to reach and change a student’s outlook on education and everyday life.

leon.bufordkelly@fayette.kyschools.us