Kevin Kelsey is an ESOL teacher at Gainesville High School and the current chair of the ESOL department. As both a classroom educator and department lead, Kevin is passionate about supporting multilingual learners and expanding cultural understanding. His journey toward broadening that commitment started with an unexpected email, an invitation to a professional development program that piqued his interest. Kevin saw the CAS K-12 Teach Africa Summer Institute as an opportunity to deepen his global awareness and enrich his classroom practices.
The program transformed Kevin’s perspective on Africa, a continent he described as “often misunderstood and oversimplified.” As he engaged with African scholars and peers, he developed a deeper appreciation for the complexities of West African francophone countries. “I used to think of Africa in general terms,” Kevin reflected, “but the program helped me understand just how many layers there are to languages, histories, and lived experiences that are all so distinct.”
At a time when global perspectives are often lacking in American classrooms, Kevin is working to change that. This deeper cultural insight not only broadened his own worldview but also reshaped his teaching. His plans for the school year reflect that shift from classroom scavenger hunts featuring maps of Africa to research projects that explore the African diaspora. He believes that “even younger students can grasp complex ideas if you give them the right tools and stories.”
His approach is hands-on and responsive to the unique backgrounds of his students, many of whom have personal or ancestral connections to Africa. By integrating stories, poetry, and student-driven research, Kevin fosters a learning environment where every student’s heritage is acknowledged and valued. “For some of my students,” he shared, “it’s the first time they’ve seen their family’s country or language reflected in a lesson. That recognition means everything.”
Reflecting on the format of the Summer Institute, Kevin emphasized the value of learning alongside a global community. The flexibility of the online format, paired with access to experts from across continents, helped shape a truly immersive experience. Looking ahead, Kevin aspires to carry the program’s lessons throughout the year, transcending the limitations of a single month dedicated to Black History. His goal is to create a classroom where global narratives are part of everyday learning and where students see their cultures reflected in meaningful ways.
Through his participation in the Summer Institute, Kevin published an article titled “Resilience Embodied: The Yoruba & the Yoruba Diaspora,” which appears in the 2024 edition of Teach Africa. Drawing from what he learned in the program, the piece explores the strength and legacy of Yoruba traditions both on the continent and across the diaspora. By embracing cross-cultural understanding and seeking continuous professional growth, teachers like Kevin are building more connected, compassionate classrooms, and helping shape a more globally minded generation.
