Paint and Pages

Kelly Thelen is an educator, researcher, and advocate for equity in education. Passionate about arts-based learning, Hip Hop literacy, and trauma-informed teaching, she believes in the power of creativity to foster healing and empowerment. As a professor of education and coordinator of a teacher preparation program, Kelly works to support future educators in diverse communities. Her research explores the intersection of literacy, identity, and culturally responsive teaching, ensuring every child sees themselves in the stories they read and the lessons they learn.

The views expressed on this blog are unique to Kelly Thelen and do not reflect any institution, organization, or community she serves.

“Education should be a space of empowerment, healing, and possibility. Through arts-based learning, we help students process trauma—past, present, and future—while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. Every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read, the lessons they learn, and the futures they imagine.” – Kelly Thelen