Hartland First Grade Teacher of 22 Years Says 'I Could Write a Book'

By Hartland Schools

Mary Lou Kellett, first grade teacher at Round Elementary School, has taught in Hartland 22 of her 39 years in education, and all of those 22 years have been spent teaching first grade – 14 years at Round Elementary and eight years at Creekside Elementary. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan-Flint, and her Early Childhood endorsement and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University.

She is married to Fred, who retired as an engineer from Delphi, and has three daughters and two stepdaughters. Four of their girls and their families live in Michigan and one lives in the Boston area. They have seven beautiful grandchildren. Mary Lou lives north of Hartland in the little town of Flushing and enjoys gardening, reading, exercise and traveling. However, spending time with her family is her favorite pastime!

Most memorable moments: (“G” rated)

“Throughout my years in Hartland, I have several wonderful memories with my students that I will treasure forever. One year that will always have a special place in my heart was the year that I had a terminally ill child in my class. I have never experienced so much love and compassion toward each other as I did that school year. This brave little child truly touched the lives of both adults and children through her amazing display of courage, strength and determination. We all learned a precious lesson in love and friendship that year.”

“On another note, teaching little ones over the past 39 years has provided me with countless funny things kids have said and done. Almost daily I get a weather report from one of my kids. After a very large snowfall and driving to school on treacherous roads, one of my kids greeted me in the morning with “Mrs. Kellett, did you know it snowed last night?”

As one may say, “I could write a book!” One of the many joys of teaching is making that special connection with all of our unique and lovable children.”

Why are you are still here?

“I came to Hartland in 1991 after teaching 17 years in the Flint area. At that time, Hartland had a reputation of being a great school district, as it still does today. I knew after my first days of teaching in Hartland that I would never leave this district. I was sure it would be my home for the rest of my teaching career. Hartland Schools has given me several wonderful opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
The teachers and administrators are of the highest caliber. The children and their families that I have had the pleasure of knowing through the years are a part of my Hartland family.

Positive thoughts about Hartland Consolidated Schools:

“The Hartland school district is truly an outstanding place for children and their families to live and learn! Throughout my years of teaching in Hartland, I have experienced a strong sense of community and commitment to our children. Hartland Schools upholds the highest standards for our students, always supporting what is best for their needs both present and future. With the leadership of Jan and our Board of Education, our district has made it through some very difficult times in education maintaining a clear vision of what is essential to provide a premiere education for our children.

As my teaching career is coming to an end, I am in awe of all of the talented Hartland teachers I have had the honor of working with through the years, the families that have become a part of my family and all of the amazing children that I will treasure in my heart forever. Thank you Hartland Schools.”