Currently the Principal of Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Paul Kelly has been described as dedicated, creative, inspiring, rigorous, charismatic, and outcome-oriented. Previously a social studies teacher at Hinsdale South High School in Darien, Kelly taught an elective course on sociology that was both challenging and popular—its enrollment increased threefold, from three class sections to nine. With a double certification in social studies and English, he not only teaches students about the world in which they live, but helps them improve how well they express what they've learned through their writing. In 2005, Kelly coached the school's speech team to one of its best years in a decade and a half. But he was almost speechless when he was surprised with a Milken Educator Award. "The students at this school are so outstanding," he said with emotion. "You're the reason I want to be here." Judging by the number of students who mobbed him with congratulations after his Award announcement, the feeling seems to be mutual.
