Kelli has taught 6th-grade world history, language arts, literature, science and math at Faith Lutheran Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada, since 2005. She has also served as a department head and coached volleyball, basketball and softball at the middle-school and high-school levels. Currently, she serves as the middle school director of curriculum and instruction.

Kelli graduated from the University of Northern Iowa where she earned her degree in elementary education with endorsements in English and coaching. She completed her master’s degree in athletic administration from Concordia Irvine.

“I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of lifelong learning,” she says. “Students need to learn in a way that is engaging and inspires them to grow. Technology is a tool students and teachers use on a daily basis. We need to use it to help our students thrive in all facets of life and in learning.” Kelli adds that TEC21 provides a great platform for Lutheran educators to collaborate across the country, and collaboration is key to achieving what is best for students and teachers alike.