Shelynn Kelly
Perry Junior High, Special Education Teacher
Shelynn Kelly is a special education teacher with a passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. With over two decades of teaching experience, Shelynn began her career as a special education teacher in Bristow, Oklahoma, where she taught for several years before joining Perry Public Schools. For the last 19 years, she has been a member of the special education department at Perry Schools, where she currently serves as a special education teacher for the secondary Foundational Learning Program (FLP) catering to 7th-12th grade students.
She took a break from teaching to work as a habilitation specialist for the Cerebral Palsy Association in Rochester, New York. During this time, she gained valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by individuals with cerebral palsy. She later joined the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education in Stillwater as a disabilities services specialist, where she provided guidance and support to teachers across the state, teaching in vocational education programs. These experiences allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of different approaches and strategies to better serve individuals with disabilities.
Shelynn’s academic journey has been instrumental in shaping her career as a special education teacher. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in special education from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the field of special education, Shelynn acknowledges the invaluable contributions of her dedicated team. She is supported by exceptional paraprofessionals, Kim Spillman, Kristin Gibson, and Angel Moore, who work tirelessly alongside her to ensure the optimal growth and development of each student.
Shelynn's passion for special education is deeply rooted in her own personal journey. As a student with dyslexia, she experienced firsthand the transformative power of special education when she had an exceptional teacher, Dr. Lynn Hodge, who taught her effective accommodations for her learning differences. Inspired by her own experience, Shelynn embarked on a career in special education wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
For the past 24 years, Shelynn has been living her dream of working with people who have disabilities. As she looks toward the future, she remains steadfast in her mission to advocate for individuals with disabilities and provide them with the education and support they need to thrive.
Shelynn is married to Kris Bommelje. They have two amazing dogs, Noel and Ember. In Shelynn’s spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and exploring the many beautiful national parks our country has to offer.