Brian Kelly Ed. D

About Brian Kelly Ed. D

I am a principal and leadership coach committed to building high-rigor, high-love schools where all students are seen, challenged, and prepared for the futures they deserve. I lead a public college-prep high school on Chicago’s South Side and founded Fullbody Leadership to support other leaders in doing the deep work of aligning systems, instruction, and culture to a clear moral purpose. My focus is simple: what are students experiencing every day in classrooms, and how do we move adult practice so that those experiences lead to real opportunity, not just talk about it.In my work, I center the instructional core: students, teachers, and content by using cycles of observation, student work analysis, and growth data to drive decisions. I partner with teachers, department leads, and leadership teams to design powerful learning experiences for adults: not one-off PDs, but learn–plan–try–reflect cycles that actually change what happens for kids. I have led expansions in early college credit, strengthened supports for diverse learners, and helped teams raise on-track, graduation, and scholarship outcomes by being relentless about both expectations and support.Through Fullbody Leadership, I extend this work beyond my own building. I coach principals and emerging leaders on leading with both head and heart, holding the line on excellence while caring deeply for the people doing the work. Whether I am in a classroom, a coaching session, or a boardroom, my throughline is the same: tell the truth about what students are getting, organize adults to do better together, and build schools worthy of the young people we serve.

Experience

1. High School Principal

   Chicago Public Schools

   Jul 2019 — Present · US

   Lead the instructional and culture vision for an 850+ student, predominantly Black, selective-enrollment high school focused on college, career, and life readiness. Chair the Instructional Leadership Team and drive cycles of inquiry that use classroom observations, student work, and on-track data to strengthen teaching and learning across departments. Expand access to rigorous coursework, including AP, dual credit/dual enrollment, and specialized pathways, while monitoring equity of access for diverse learners and other historically marginalized groups. Lead and model daily operations, climate, and safety systems in close partnership with assistant principals, student support staff, and culture teams to ensure a structured, caring environment. Manage and allocate an annual budget of roughly $20M, aligning resources to priorities such as literacy, technology integration, and postsecondary programming. Partner with district and external organizations to bring professional learning, scholarships, internships, and enrichment opportunities to students.

Education

• University of Illinois Chicago

  Doctor of Education (EdD), Urban Education and Leadership

• DePaul University

  Bachelors and Masters, Education

• DePaul University

  Master of Education - MEd, High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates

• University of Illinois Chicago

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Special Education and Teaching