Yolanda Kelley: A Teaching Legacy At Stafford MSD

STAFFORD, TX -- Yolanda Kelley taught Seventh Grade Mathematics at Stafford Middle School when it opened in 1983, and she will teach at the new state-of-the-art, three-story Stafford Middle School when it opens next year.

“Stafford Municipal School District is so unique,” Kelley said. “I am excited about the new middle school.”

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Kelley arrived at Stafford MSD, with a degree from the University of Houston in 1983, and she later earned a Master’s Degree from UH.

“I love Math – it just makes sense to me,” said Kelley, who is one of the UIL Competition Sponsors for Stafford Middle School. “I want the students to know that Math is in everything.”

Kelley has had the opportunity to teach students and then, their children. She taught Stafford High School Principal Raymond Root, Stafford Associate Athletic Director Sergio Hinojosa and Stafford Middle School Counselor Karla White.

“Stafford is the only place I’ve ever taught – I never applied anywhere else,” said Kelley, who grew up in Marshall, Texas – the youngest daughter of an English Teacher. (All three of her sisters went on to become teachers).

Kelley and her husband, who is also a teacher, are the proud parents of three daughters, who have gone on to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) careers. Her oldest is an Engineer, middle-an Accountant and youngest is in college with plans to enter the Computer Science field.

Kelley was honored as the Stafford Middle School Teacher of the Year in the early 1990s, but she regularly declines the nomination, because “someone else should receive that honor.”

Last month, she was recognized for 35 years with Stafford MSD and eagerly awaits Year No. 36.

“I have been married for 36 years, worked at Stafford for 35 years and have been a member of the same church for 33 years,” Kelley said. “When I find what I like, I stick with it.”

Image and Story: SMSD

Send your news tips and story ideas to bryan.kirk@patch.com