Dr. Diane Kelley began her educational career as a teacher in 1979 in the Okaloosa County School District. Today, more than three decades later, she is still in the same career, having served as principal of three very different schools and in four district level positions under seven different elected superintendents. In all capacities, she saw pertinent training as central to success for all those in her care.

Diane’s personal experience as a principal was in a small, rural, Title I, K-12 school; a large community middle school; and a small middle school in a resort area. These were all schools that she loved and led to improvements in climate and curriculum.

In her district experiences, she was Director of Technology & Media Services; Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction; and Director of Principal Evaluation, Training & Support.

Among her capstone initiatives include the franchising of and creation of the district’s online school, creation of the district’s instructional television program, creation of the district’s leadership training program (which results in participants’ certification in School Principal), and implementing the evaluation system for administrators.

After serving 37 years in the Okaloosa County School District, she retired and formed her own consulting firm, Priority Professional Development, so that she could continue her passion for teaching and learning.

She now works closely with district staff members in several districts, examining district needs and creating training sessions designed to improve the skill sets of school administrators.