Kelly Krause, Ed.D.

Teaching is a proud tradition in Kelly’s family. Her father was a teacher, her great-grandmother was a teacher, and early on, she knew she would carry on their legacy. 

“I had wanted to be a teacher ever since I could remember,” says Kelly. “I used to play school and tutor kids who were younger than me while riding the bus to school. 

After many years of teaching and serving in school leadership roles, Kelly is continuing to support future generations as the Community Foundation’s education officer. In her role, she facilitates the Every Child Reads initiative, along with other efforts to help children succeed in school and in life.

Kelly has applied her energy to both sides of the school desk. She was an English teacher and middle and high school principal. She also served as a member of a unique superintendent team for three and a half years and superintendent for three years. While she held those positions, she enjoyed the role of a student, earning a master’s and doctorate degree in education leadership.

Kelly grew up in Wisconsin but now lives in the Dubuque area. “I’ve spent most of my time in small rural towns, but have always liked the energy of larger cities. Dubuque is uniquely beautiful,” she says.  Kelly and her husband, Troy, have six grown children – five boys and a girl – and she spends her free time doing healing work with people.