Academic Excellence

Kathy Warrington Kelly serves as the associate secretary of the Academic Excellence team at the Delaware Department of Education, where she leads statewide initiatives in literacy and mathematics. A veteran educator with over 30 years of experience in public education, Kathy’s career spans classroom teaching, school leadership, curriculum development, and strategic instructional planning.

Prior to her current role, Kathy served as director of curriculum, instruction, and professional development, guiding efforts to improve instructional quality and student achievement across Delaware. Her leadership has focused on aligning curriculum and professional learning with rigorous academic standards, advancing the use of high-quality instructional materials, and championing the implementation of equitable access for students across all content areas.

Kathy has held a range of leadership roles, including building leader, instructional coach, and English language arts (ELA) curriculum specialist. She has led numerous national, state, and district initiatives related to standards-based instruction, educator professional learning, and instructional outcomes. Known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to supporting educators and improving student outcomes, Kathy is a trusted leader in the field.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Delaware, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Wilmington University, and a Certificate of Leadership in School Administration.