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Ted Kelly, right, hugs Carol Lowe during Kelly's retirement party at the Provo School District Building on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 in Provo. Kelly is retiring from his position as director of special education with Provo School District. JAMES ROH/Daily Herald

James Roh

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Ted Kelly, center, hugs TJ Carter, left, and Geri Cox during Kelly's retirement party at the Provo School District Building on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 in Provo. Kelly is retiring from his position as director of special education with Provo School District. JAMES ROH/Daily Herald

James Roh

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Jeff Gomm writes a note to Ted Kelly in a book during Kelly's retirement party at the Provo School District Building on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 in Provo. Kelly is retiring from his position as director of special education with Provo School District. JAMES ROH/Daily Herald

James Roh

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PROVO — It’s not hard to like Ted Kelly. His kindness and devotion are just two of the endearing qualities friends say make liking him so easy. These qualities are also why colleagues are saying he is the best advocate for special needs children in any school district in the state. Next week after more than 35 years, Kelly will retire from the Provo School District.

According to Greg Hudnall, assistant superintendant over student services, “There’s no other person around who has fought more for students with behavioral and learning disabilities in public education in the state than Ted Kelly. “His passion and love are unequaled. Ted’s always been for the other side.”

Kelly turns 64 in January and says he is in better health than ever. He has given more than half his life to the children of Provo, yet in all that Kelly says it’s time to bow out gracefully.

“Provo’s been through some alarming times and it’s just time,” Kelly said. While he won’t elaborate on issues helping him make his decision to leave the district, Kelly says internal politics is a factor.

While he says he is going to take a few months to get used to retirement he was clear about his crusade. “I’m not going to just sit and not advocate for what I’ve been responsible for,” Kelly said. “I could never repay the richness my career has given me. Seeing 3-year-olds learn to talk — how do you measure that?”

Through tears, Kelly expressed his tender feelings for his special children. “Special ed has been more than a career to me. It’s been a crusade. I like to think of myself more as an advocate than an educator,” he said.

Kelly understands firsthand the importance of having advocates and good teachers for special needs children because he was one. “As a child I had a severe speech impediment. In 11th grade I wasn’t reading and a teacher stepped forward and helped me,” he said.

As far as helping special education move forward, Kelly added, “You don’t achieve victories. You fix moments. There is never a victory. You are constantly advocating.”

A number of Kelly’s colleagues felt compelled to speak out about Kelly’s hard work throughout the years and the numerous hats he has worn. Kelly also is the director over technology for the district. Julene Kendell, the district’s language programs specialist, has worked with Kelly for more than 25 years.

“Ted’s first concern is children. That’s No. 1. That said, he is a huge supporter of this district. We wouldn’t be as far ahead with IT if it wasn’t for him. He’s always doing small things for people,” she said.

Jenilee McComb, child nutrition director said, “I think Ted feels like we’re his family. He treats me like he would take care of me. The first words he said to me when I started at the district were ‘how can I help you?’ He is always checking in on us. Not only is he a professional, he’s a genuine friend.”

With all the accolades from his coworkers, Kelly is still concerned about what is, or more importantly, what isn’t happening to forward the needs of special education both locally and at the state level. Kelly is concerned about the lack of interest shown and money not given for these programs. It has become overwhelming for him.

Ray Morgan, assistant superintendent over curriculum and assessment, served with Kelly when he was an elementary school principal.

“Ted is always a great partner in problem solving. I had five rooms for disabled students. Ted always helped meet the needs of those students.”

When it comes to technology, Kelly said when he started at the district they we’re excited about their new IBM Selectric typewriters that had the alphabet on a spinning ball. Now Kelly is working with full classrooms using iPads and the Internet. Much of that technology is helping equalize the educational playing ground for special needs children in the district.

Chad Duncan has worked with Kelly for the past 18 years and will be replacing him in the IT department.

“Ted has worked hard in his career and is forward thinking,” Duncan said. “It’s unreal what Ted has accomplished. He’s been innovative with technology to help special ed kids.”

Duncan added that Kelly will leave a technology legacy and has set a direction for the Provo district to continue in.

“This department is the envy of the district,” said J.P. Pontius, who works in tech support. “Ted appreciates you while your working for him. You know he’s concerned about you.”