Meet Kathleen Haley | Educator, Instructional Coach, Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Haley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, how do you think about risk?
I’ve experienced a significant shift in my approach to risk-taking over time. Initially, I tended to avoid change and stick with what was comfortable. However, as I’ve encountered various life and career choices, I’ve come to realize that taking risks often leads to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. Fear used to hold me back, especially the fear of potential failure and worrying about others’ perceptions. Now, I see the value in productive struggle and the beauty of overcoming challenges I didn’t think were possible. This shift has empowered me to follow my passions, become a more resilient leader, and make decisions that align with my own values and aspirations, free from concern about others’ opinions. Embracing risk has truly been instrumental in shaping both my personal and professional development.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hello, I’m Kathleen Haley. I’ve been passionate about teaching since my early school days, where I’d eagerly play “school” with my brother. This passion led me to pursue a degree in education, driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students. Throughout my career, I’ve identified a crucial need for supportive administrators, especially in the midst of the current teacher shortage. My focus lies in providing educators with the necessary support and recognition they deserve, particularly in low-income schools where many students have faced significant challenges. As an instructional coach, I aim to foster a culture of compassionate leadership, rigorous instruction, and unwavering dedication, essential for the current educational landscape. My previous roles as a 5th-grade teacher, curriculum coordinator, tutor, and math assistant have equipped me with a diverse skill set to address the multifaceted needs of the education system. I’m proud to have contributed to the development of future leaders and to have witnessed the progress within the education system. However, I recognize that there is still much work to be done. It’s crucial that we continue to support our educators and students. I encourage everyone to reach out to local schools and explore ways to provide support. Our future leaders depend on it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If your best friend was visiting the area for a week, there are some fantastic places in Springfield, Ohio that you could visit. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1:
– Start the day with breakfast at Un Mundo Cafe for organic coffees, teas, and homemade vegan soups.
– Visit The Gammon House, an Underground Railroad site with secret passages and a tunnel.
– Have lunch at The Cohatch, enjoy live entertainment, and grab a drink from their full bar.
– Explore the Springfield Museum of Art to see fantastic artwork from various artists.
– End the day with dinner at Cecil and Lime for tasty steaks and seafood, and don’t forget to order desserts from Jody’s Cupcakes LLC.

Day 2:
– Grab some delicious treats from Schuler’s Bakery.
– Explore the Hartman Rock Garden, which features over 250,000 individual stones.
– Enjoy pizza and sandwiches at Station One with a great outdoor seating area.
– Visit the Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only Prairie Style home in Ohio.
– Finish the day with dinner at Fratelli’s for a fun, friendly Italian cuisine experience.

Day 3:
– Start the day with breakfast at Olympic Coney Island.
– Have some fun ice skating at the NTPRD Chiller.
– Grab some delicious, fresh, specialty pizzas at Mikey’s Pizza.
– Explore the unique formations at the Ohio Caverns.
– Enjoy live entertainment and drinks at Mother Stewart’s.

Day 4:
– Travel to Yellow Springs and have breakfast at Young’s Jersey Dairy.
– Explore the outdoor activities and enjoy lunch at Young’s.
– Walk around the city, visit the small shops, and attend any local events or fairs.
– End the day at Peach’s Grill for live music, burgers, sandwiches, and stylish cocktails.

Day 5:
– Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Mundy’s Diner.
– Visit Sunflower Yoga for a range of instructional activities.
– Enjoy specialty noodles at Speakeasy Ramen.
– Explore the spectacular Clifton Gorge.
– End the day by ordering pizza and overstuffed subs from Cantanzaro’s.

This itinerary offers a diverse range of experiences and flavors, ensuring a memorable week-long trip for your best friend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Learwinson Jackson III not only recognizes hard work but also actively encourages and challenges me to reach new heights. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my path, offering guidance that has been invaluable. His commitment to the success of others is truly remarkable, and his compassionate leadership style leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets. I am grateful for his unwavering support and inspiration, and I aspire to emulate his dedication in my own interactions within the community. Thank you, Learwinson, for being a beacon of encouragement and guidance in my life and in the lives of many others.

Other: Portfolio: https://sites.google.com/view/khaley/home