Kelly Slate Found Her
Calling in the Classroom
John Paul II High School’s dean of academics reflects on supporting teachers, growing in faith, and finding her place at JPII.
At a glance
- Name: Kelly Slate.
- Title: Dean of Academics.
- Hometown: Tallulah, Louisiana.
- Current community: McKinney, Texas.
- Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in political science with a journalism minor, Louisiana State University, December 1991
- Master of Education in Administration, Lamar University, December 2021
- Joined JPII: July 2025.
- Family: Husband, Stuart, and three children.
- Advice to students: Stay on top of your work. Don’t procrastinate.
Meet the People of JPII
Kelly Slate did not leave college knowing that she would become an educator.
Her path became clear years later, when all three of her children were in elementary school. Slate began volunteering and substitute teaching. She noticed how much her outlook changed each time she entered a school building.
“I could have been in a really bad mood, and when I got into that building, something changed,” Slate said. “I realized that was what I was meant to do.”
That moment led to a career in education and, years later, to John Paul II High School.
“I realized that was what I was meant to do.”
A calling that came later
Slate grew up in Tallulah and attended Louisiana State University. She and Stuart lived in Louisiana before moving to McKinney, where they have lived for more than two decades.
Her first steps into education came through her children’s school. She enjoyed working with students and other educators. More importantly, she felt different when she was in the building.
The decision to teach came later than she had expected, but it felt clear. She worked as an English teacher, instructional coach, and district coordinator for 13 years with McKinney ISD.
She also returned to school while working full-time and raising a family. Earning her master’s degree remains one of her proudest achievements. Her children still tell her how much that choice impressed them.
The right work at the right time
Slate wanted to return to a school campus, but she wanted her work to stay centered on academics. The dean of academics' role gave her that chance.
She had worked with Principal Daniel Ledbetter earlier in her career. They also knew each other through St. Gabriel in McKinney. Ledbetter contacted her when the JPII opening was posted.
The timing mattered. A week earlier, Slate had prayed during Mass for a way to grow in her faith. Then the job appeared.
“I get to focus on academics, curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and how to support teachers,” she said. “That’s what I love to do.”
Her first interview included JPII department chairs. She said the talk felt like “a conversation with my people.”
A school that feels connected
Slate said JPII felt familiar soon after she arrived. She noticed that offices and departments did not work in isolation. Faculty and staff members had reasons to spend time together and learn from one another.
“It is so true here that it’s a family feel,” she said.
She also values leaders who connect with people while keeping high standards. Slate described that approach as being “firm but kind and compassionate.” It is a style she saw in a former mentor and now sees in JPII President Casey Buckstaff.
“To have mentors like that is super important,” Slate said.
Faith is close at hand
JPII has also given Slate simple ways to incorporate faith into her workday. She values Mass, classroom talks about faith, and the chapel near her office.
“You get to talk openly about your faith and share,” she said. “If something is heavy on my heart, I can walk over to the chapel.”
Those moments have had a personal effect.
“Hearing others talk about their faith has made me more intentional,” she said.
Still learning from students
Slate said students have taught her to value differences in culture and learning style. Their experiences have widened her own view of teaching and learning.
She is also watching how students respond to fast changes in technology and artificial intelligence. She does not claim to know where those changes will lead. She is interested in how schools and students will find the right balance.
Her advice is more immediate.
“Stay on top of your work,” Slate said. “Don’t procrastinate.”
