Gregory J. Kelly

Dr. Gregory J. Kelly serves as the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. A former physics and mathematics teacher and Peace Corps Volunteer, his research focuses on classroom discourse, epistemology, and science learning with an emphasis on equity in education. He holds a B.S. from SUNY Albany (1986) and a Ph.D. from Cornell University (1994).

His research explores how educational practices can promote equitable access to STEM fields, particularly through engineering education frameworks and translanguaging strategies for multilingual learners. Key areas include K-12 engineering curriculum design, sociocultural aspects of scientific discourse, and fostering inclusive learning environments. His work bridges theoretical insights from activity theory and sociocultural perspectives with practical classroom applications.

Publications span equity-oriented curriculum models, discourse analysis in science classrooms, and the role of engineering notebooks in student practice. Awards include Penn State’s 2018 Faculty Way Paver Award for multicultural leadership and the 2021 NARST Distinguished Contributions Award. He is a member of the National Academy of Education and a Fellow of the American Education Research Association.

As dean, Dr. Kelly oversees initiatives addressing educational equity, teacher preparation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His leadership emphasizes translating research into actionable strategies for schools and universities, particularly during crises like the pandemic’s disruption of education systems.