by Marissa Ogar
Young history teacher Jeffrey Kelley loves what he does, but he didn’t always want to be an eighth grade social studies teacher.
“I started out going to college to be a doctor,” he says. “I dropped out [of that program] to become a teacher.”
Kelley realized that being a doctor was not what he wanted to do. Both his parents were teachers, and he decided to give it a try.
“I toured the University of New Hampshire, Bridgewater State, and Stonehill,” he said. “My favorite was UMASS Amherst.”
Kelley wanted to be within two hours of his house, but wanted to live at school. When he started, he knew there were many years of hard studies ahead.
“I did six years at UMASS in total,” he says proudly, “four years for my bachelors and two for my masters.”
These 6 years of college already paid off. He has had the most fun teaching eighth grade the past three years.
“My favorite part of the year is going to Washington DC with the students,” he says. “ We have a blast.”
Kelley always loves to see the landmarks and memorials every year. He enjoys traveling and taking a break from school.
“I love teaching,” Kelley says.” It is exciting and interesting. I hope I teach for as long as I can.”
