“Kelly did an amazing job of creating a space where everyone was valued and respected, allowing for a safe space for us all to communicate our strengths, as well as our challenges, with one another. The sessions were a balance of being extremely informative, while also providing the time for reflection and conversation to deepen our understanding.” - ISM participant, Leading the Effective Lower School Summer Institute
“Kelly Bird was a wonderful facilitator. She became in tune with our group right away and adjusted the schedule when we needed to allow for our learning while making sure that we got through all of the material by the end of the week.”
- ISM participant, Leading the Effective Lower School Summer Institute
About
Dr. Bird is a highly energetic and passionate educator who has held faculty and leadership positions in a variety of independent schools. She is the President of Making Space, LLC, coaching administrators, and consulting with schools and organizations to create spaces that celebrate difference, leveraging a multitude of experiences and perspectives.
Kelly graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with her doctorate in School Leadership and most recently served as the Director of the Beginning School at Renbrook School in West Hartford. In her dissertation, she examined the ways in which project-based making, which starts with students’ interests and expertise, is one way for independent schools to become more inclusive settings.
Kelly is an Instructor for Bank Street’s Continuing Education Program, Independent School Management, and the Independent School Teaching Fellows Masters Program at UPenn, GSE. She also serves as a Coach in the School Leadership EdD program at UPenn, GSE. She has also served as Lower School Principal, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, and classroom teacher. In each of these roles, she has been an advocate for equity and inclusivity.
Kelly sits on the Executive Committee for the Board of Trustees of Early Steps in New York City and on the Board of Trustees for Beam Center in Brooklyn.
Publications
“Making Space: Teacher Perceptions of How Participation and Choice Are Mediated within Maker Education in Independent Schools,” Dr. Kelly Bird, University of Pennsylvania
“Cardboard Challenge: Introducing New Skills in Authentic Ways,” Dr. Kelly Bird, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)