Kelly Gallagher
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Contact Kelly
AboutArticle of the WeekDiscussionsContact Kelly

A Life Dedicated to Literacy

Kelly standing with arms crossed in front of a glass wall.
1985
Hired to teach freshman English and remedial reading at Magnolia High School in Anaheim, CA
1985
Hired to teach freshman English and remedial reading at Magnolia High School in Anaheim, CA
1992
Earned a master’s degree in education from Chapman University in Orange, CA
1992
Earned a master’s degree in education from Chapman University in Orange, CA
1998
Named Teacher-of-the-Year in the Anaheim Union High School District
1998
Named Teacher-of-the-Year in the Anaheim Union High School District
2003
Kelly’s first book, Reading Reasons, is published
2003
Kelly’s first book, Reading Reasons, is published
2005
Received the California Association of Teachers of English “Award for Classroom Excellence”
2005
Received the California Association of Teachers of English “Award for Classroom Excellence”
2018
Recipient of the Adolescent Literacy Thought Leader Award from the International Reading Association
2018
Recipient of the Adolescent Literacy Thought Leader Award from the International Reading Association
2024
Recipient of the Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award, given by the National Council of Teachers of English to an “exceptional leader who has had an ongoing impact on the profession”
2024
Recipient of the Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award, given by the National Council of Teachers of English to an “exceptional leader who has had an ongoing impact on the profession”

The Teacher

Kelly began his teaching career in 1985 as a high school English Language Arts teacher in Anaheim, California, where he taught for the next 30-plus years. He also served as an adjunct professor at Cal State University Fullerton and, while on sabbatical in 2013, taught and coached at the Harlem Village Academies in New York City. His classroom work earned him multiple honors, including the California Association of Teachers of English Award for Classroom Excellence and Distinguished Service Award.

The Author

Kelly is the author of numerous influential books on literacy education, including Readicide, Write Like This, In the Best Interest of Students, and 180 Days (co-authored with Penny Kittle). His writing focuses on practical, research-based strategies to help students become better readers and writers. He is also a featured contributor to Savvas Learning Company’s myPerspectives and iLit programs.

The Speaker

A highly valued speaker for conferences, schools, and educational events around the world, Kelly is known for his sharp, insightful and entertaining presentations on reading and writing instruction. Teacher participants especially appreciate the accessibility and effectiveness of Kelly's strategies and practices—all of which are grounded in real classroom experience.

The Leader

Kelly's impact on literacy education has been greatly magnified by his leadership roles in several key literacy programs, including the California Reading and Literature Project, the South Basin Writing Project at California State University, Long Beach, and the Puente Project.  At the national level, he served as the president of the Secondary Reading Group of the International Reading Association (IRA).

The Inspiration

Through his speaking and writing, Kelly motivates educators around the world to elevate their reading and writing instruction. Teachers are continually inspired by his meaningful, student-centered approach to literacy instruction, particularly his emphasis on authentic learning and long-term development of critical thinking skills.