My name is Chris Kelly and I am a science teacher located in West Michigan. Some details and the inside scoop about who I am:

I love teaching and sharing all kinds of science concepts with students (and adults!)
I have taught middle school Science for 35 years!
I am a Professional EEC Educator (Certified Environmental Educator). Much of my graduate work is in Environmental Education, with an emphasis on outdoor science education.
I am indebted to NSTA (National Science Teachers Association) for my training and background in STEM. I love meeting challenges to help students to learn by designing and testing ideas with Engineering investigations, and know it is especially valuable to increase the time my students are learning outside.
I have been honored to be named an Evenson Fellow. This fellowship helped to empower me to make a terrific difference with our school’s Green Roof and start Live Walls!
I truly believe in the power of community and adding support to others. I have benefitted from the work and connections I have with others. I have learned a great deal especially from my professional memberships:
- MSTA - Michigan Science Teachers Association
- MAEOE- Michigan Alliance For Environmental and Outdoor Education
- MiSBF - Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
- NSTA- National Science Teachers Association

Hope Challenges is a way I can give back as a return for all of the learning and support I have received from so many. What do I get out of it? This is a “kick” for me! I have the opportunity to serve others, and pay it forward.

I have always liked to motivate myself with new challenges, some way of providing myself with a focus. Years ago, deep into the craziness of the Pandemic, I decided to focus on the extrinsic motivators that bring me HOPE.

I knew one super large piece of this puzzle would be to hike more intentionally, and find purpose in my travels and just breathe in the outdoors. Hiking and traveling in local, state and national parks just centers me, and rejuvenates all that I am. As a science teacher, I also kept dreaming up ideas how students and teachers could use STEM to connect and learn about the outside environment.
Because of this focus, I really noticed neighbors taking action that were so hopeful. It seemed like I was given this set of binoculars that brought my attention to organizations and everyday people that were putting hope into practice. I started keeping a list of these hopeful steps.
On a different day, I was sharing popsicles with one of my favorite people, my grandson. These ice pops were different: they came with positive and encouraging words on their wooden sticks. My popsicle came with a little note about hope and kindness. I kept thinking to myself, “Do you see this?”
Each morning, I read or listen to devotions, a quiet time before work or activity to pay attention to what God is saying to me. One of my favorite verses has always been Jeremiah 29: 11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” At this time, the promise of hope just jumped out at me.
Lastly, as my parents raised me and my siblings, they were constantly doing for others, and serving others. I did not understand until I was older how much of a sense of purpose and fulfillment this brought to my Mom and Dad- to be able to give of themselves. I believe all of us kids also share this same intrinsic feeling- doing for others brings us joy and a sense of completeness. I knew I needed to share these hopeful challenges and hopeful actions and hopeful beliefs with others, and that this service might help others.