Description

Join host Cate Tolnai for the final episode of The Bridge with Dr. Kelly Vaughn, Dean of the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University. Kelly shares how lived experiences—as a child of an immigrant family, middle school math teacher, and now university dean—shaped her belief that schools must be places of safety, dignity, and belonging. She reflects on embracing the "beautiful mess" of leadership and innovation. 💚✨

🎯 What You'll Discover:

When a Principal's Advocacy Changed Everything 🏫

• Kelly's family faced racist vandalism when she was 11—someone wrote slurs on their driveway
• Her middle school principal, Mr. Taylor, became a fierce advocate, prosecuting perpetrators and checking on the family for years
• That moment showed Kelly schools can be places of true safety and human care—not just academic learning

Preserving Dignity Over Content 📚

• Kelly teaches "to the whole child," preserving dignity rather than focusing solely on expertise or standards
• Her identity as an educator: "I teach and learn from people. The vehicle is math—that's the credential, not what defines me"
• Building community in classrooms through creative practices like having students paint windows to represent their identities

Embracing the Beautiful Mess of Leadership 🌟

• Kelly's mantra: "Embrace the mess" (similar to Cate's "It's not pretty, it's beautiful")
• Leading Notre Dame de Namur's transition from exclusively in-person to online graduate programs during resistance and strong emotions
• Learning to let others have the last word, follow up thoughtfully, and trust processes to unfold in due time

Creating Moments That Honor Identity 🎨

• Kelly's first assignment: students paint classroom windows to represent themselves as important community members
• A former student reached out 10 years later: "You believed in me...you made school a safe place, so I stayed around schools"
• Small, visible acts of belonging shape how learners see themselves for years

Saying No Until the Right Season Arrives ⏰

• Kelly turned down leadership opportunities for years—including an admin credential pathway from Mr. Taylor himself
• She knew the cost: first one at school, last to leave, always on call—and prioritized her spouse and young children
• When her kids reached independence, she reconsidered: "Maybe this is the season"

Leadership Grounded in Learning, Not Ego 💡

• "I don't feel like my reputation or job is on the line. It's not about me—it's about the community"
• Kelly's courage for innovation comes from openness to learning rather than proving expertise
• Advice to her younger self: "Enjoy the moments, embrace being a learner, don't worry about tomorrow"

Key Takeaways:

✨ Leadership is about preserving dignity and belonging—relationships sustain learning and growth ✨ A middle school principal's advocacy after racist trauma showed Kelly that school can be a place of safety ✨ Small, intentional moments that honor students' identities shape how they see themselves for years ✨ "Embrace the mess"—celebrate failures, trust processes, and stay grounded in purpose during resistance ✨ Say no to opportunities until the right season arrives—self-awareness about readiness matters ✨ Lead as a learner, not from ego—courage comes from openness, not proving expertise

🎯 Perfect For:

• Educators transitioning into higher education or leadership roles
• Leaders navigating change, resistance, and innovation in educational institutions
• Teachers seeking to preserve dignity and belonging in their classrooms
• Anyone balancing career ambition with family priorities and personal readiness
• Educators inspired by mentorship stories and the long-term impact of advocacy
• Faculty and administrators championing equity, innovation, and community-building

Resources & Mentions:

🎓 Notre Dame de Namur University School of Education - https://www.ndnu.edu/education/ 
💼 Follow #ndnusoe for updates 
🌉 Kelly's belief: "Embrace the mess" and "It's not about me—it's about the community" 

Connect With Dr. Kelly Vaughn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkvaughn/

About Dr. Kelly Vaughn:

Dr. Kelly Vaughn is Dean of the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University, where she leads with a vision for equity, innovation, and collaboration. Her work centers on transformative partnerships—residency pathways for special education, graduate programs with local districts, AI integration, and social-emotional learning. A former middle school math teacher for 10 years and tenured professor for 15, Kelly believes in building community through bold ideas and reflection. She's passionate about lifting others, preparing teachers to lead with empathy and resilience, and creating spaces where educators thrive through both triumphs and challenges.

This final episode of The Bridge reminds us that education is ultimately about relationships—and when we stay grounded in purpose, we create spaces where learners and leaders grow together. 💚

#HigherEducation #EducationalLeadership #DignityInEducation #Mentorship #EdChat #BelongingInSchools #TeacherPrep #EmbraceTheMess #EquityInEducation #CommunityBuilding #LeadershipLessons