John Keelin
Position: Middle School Principal
School: The Ask Academy
School District: Rio Rancho Public Schools
City, State: Rio Rancho, NM
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John Keelin was nominated by an anonymous parent.
Mr. Keelin is not only an outstanding leader but also a compassionate individual who values the holistic development of his students.
Mr. Keelin has a remarkable ability to see beyond any troubled behavior and demonstrates what it means to view "the whole person" with each of his students. His kind and patient demeanor has made him popular among his students, who view him as a trusted mentor and friend. He connects with them on a deeper level, creating a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued and supported.
What sets Mr. Keelin apart is his unwavering dedication to helping students do better for themselves. He serves as a guide, providing support, encouragement, and guidance to help students achieve their educational, social, and emotional goals. His approach has profoundly impacted students, creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and mutual support.
He has a proactive approach to problem-solving. He has a keen intuition and can quickly identify when a situation may be brewing. He doesn't wait for things to become a problem but instead takes action early to prevent negative consequences. This approach helps maintain a safe and orderly school environment and demonstrates his commitment to his students' well-being and success.
Mr. Keelin's promotion of kindness and empathy within the school is essential to his leadership style. He recognizes the importance of creating a positive and respectful learning environment and actively works to foster a culture of kindness and empathy among his students and staff. By modeling kindness and compassion himself, he inspires others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that has had a profound impact on the school.
In addition to his exceptional leadership qualities, his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion should be highlighted. He understands the importance of creating a school environment where every student feels welcome, valued, and included. He ensures students from all backgrounds can access the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
Mr. Keelin is invested in the mental health and well-being of his students. He recognizes that academic success is closely tied to emotional and mental health and creates a safe and supportive space for students to talk about their feelings and seek help when needed. He encourages open communication and creates opportunities for students to connect with counselors or even himself if they are struggling.
He also goes above and beyond his duties as a principal to ensure that the school is a clean and enjoyable place for students to learn. He has been seen outside sweeping dirt off the sidewalks, setting an example for the entire school community to take pride in their environment.
"Overall, he is an exceptional educator who embodies the qualities of an excellent leader," said an anonymous parent. "He deserves recognition for his outstanding work and commitment to helping students reach their full potential. I wholeheartedly recommend John Keelin for the LifeChanger of the Year Award, and I am confident that he will continue to inspire and motivate his students for years to come."
Mr. Keelin is not only an amazing empathetic educator but what is truly remarkable is the ingenuity he uses in connecting students, educators, and families while instilling inspiration. He has come up with programs such as uniform challenges and rewarding students with movie nights at the school and campaigns such as Kindness Week in which students will make kindness links, kindness notes, and other activities that promote and demonstrate kindness. He takes the time one-on-one to speak to students and help them see and reach their potential. Mr. Keelin isn't just a thinker, he's a constant doer who impacts and changes the lives of students and staff, making him the excellent pick for this award.
Mr.Keelin is an amazing principal, always cares for us and his office is always open to anyone. Mr. Keelin always wants us scholars to be the best that we can be and this is why I think that he should win this nomination.
As a parent of an Ask scholar, Mr.Keelin has been a great Principal, really listening to his scholars and teachers. He stay's outside everyday with a different question to ask before the school day begins. Always available to speak to in person, email or phone at any time. Offers solutions to problems and really values the input of his scholars, colleagues and teachers to better the learning environment for all. He is very passionate about the ASK vision, mission, molding young minds using the STEM approach and creating young professionals for the career fields ahead of them. This nomination is well deserved for Mr. Keelin. He is definitely a Life Changer!
I have no hesitation in
recommending Mr. Keelin for Lifechanger of the Year award! He is an excellent role model to his students and held in high regard by parents. He is quick to respond to parent concerns and goes out of his way to get to know his students at lunch time. The Ask Academy is very fortunate to have Mr. Keelin.
Mr. Keelin is a perfect example of the kind of person we want working with our youth. He takes the time to get to know not only his middle school scholars (students), but the high school scholars as well. He takes time everyday to interact with the scholars and his staff, praise them when they are successful and direct them if they need to choose a more positive path. The project managers (teachers) that report to him know his expectations of them are high however he gives them the tools and support they need to meet or exceed these expectations. I've had the opportunity to speak the several of the middle school project managers and they have nothing but praise for Mr. Keelin. Because of his dedicated, active involvement in our community, he is able to expose the scholars to amazing people and organizations from the community, allowing the scholars to build relationships and make connections that could impact their futures. Mr. Keelin has such a positive attitude and a sense of humor that makes working with him fun. His door is always open and he has a constant stream of scholars stopping by to get help, share a joke or just say hello. Mr. Keelin is changing lives everyday with his unwavering commitment to scholars, parents and project managers of The Ask Academy. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.
Mr. Keelin is a great principal and has helped me grow mentally and has made the teachers allow me to eat in class (which I needed for medical reasons). He has helped me get setup for success in middle school.
Mr. Keelin is the kind of Educator every student needs, and the Principal every Project Manager (teacher) needs. He has a level of empathy, understanding, and kindness that is so valuable and needed in the world right now, plus the profound ability to get things done and make any necessary changes needed with ease and grace. As a parent, I am so grateful for him.
Deciding on where to send your children for school has become more and more difficult in today's world. John has helped to make that decision an easier one. His clear support, understanding, and knowledge for students and the school system sets him apart from others in the same field. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have such a great support system for our children at this school and it could not happen without John. Thank you for being such a good person and principal.
John is a great principal and the kids clearly like him and enjoy his company. He is a great leader and educator
John Keelin exemplifies the role of a LifeChanger in so many ways. He is attentive, methodical, and has an uncanny ability to get things done with little time and resources. He can get more accomplished in an hour than most can in a day despite all of the challenges thrown at him. John is professional and productive with a positive attitude and sense of humor that make him fun to work with.
He is a listener to all scholars and staff, and a supportive colleague. Because he is the ultimate collaborator with a sincere interest in helping people, he can meaningfully connect with everyone on campus.
John has effective solutions when presented with challenges, not only in his position but throughout the school. His planning and organization skills have helped to provide the structure the school needs to thrive.
You will rarely find anyone at school earlier than him and he makes himself accessible to everyone at all times. His engagement with scholars, parents and the community bridges the gap that so many schools struggle with. The many roles he plays, exceptional abilities and leadership style combined with his commitment to helping scholars be their best self is inspiring to watch and is truly changing lives.
Mr. Keelin has been a breathe of fresh air for our family. Not only does he care to engage with the students, he also engages and knows families. He has been there for our students when they needed support, reassurance, care, and discipline. When one of our students has a rough time he didn’t chastise or place him in the bad kid column. He gave the consequence and then continued to support and check in on him. This led to a turn around in behavior and mindset. We feel forth that he is running the show for our middle schoolers! Thank you John for all you do!
Mr. Keelin has definitely been a LifeChanger for us and our child. I could not imagine anyone who would be more deserving of this award. His compassion, empathy, and dedication are above and beyond. John is the role model all educators should strive to imitate. I'm extremely happy that my child is in his care.
Mr. Keelin is a huge blessing to our school! He genuinely cares about ALL students and supports his staff as well! We are so lucky to have such a great principal!
John Keelin, my boss, is an exemplary leader who consistently goes above and beyond to support his teaching staff. His unwavering dedication to our team has made a profound impact on our work environment and our students' educational experience. John epitomizes what a great leader should be, setting a high standard for others to follow.
One of John's most remarkable qualities is his accessibility and approachability. He actively listens to our concerns and ideas, creating an open and collaborative atmosphere. He encourages us to share our thoughts and provides constructive feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. John's willingness to engage with his staff on a personal level makes us feel valued and respected, motivating us to give our best every day.
John Keelin's dedication extends beyond his support for the teaching staff; he is equally committed to the scholars under his care, making him an exceptional principal. He understands that the success of the school ultimately rests on the well-being and growth of the students. John takes a personal interest in the scholars, frequently engaging with them, attending their events, and even taking time to mentor those who may need additional guidance. His presence and involvement create a sense of security and belonging among the students, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and personally. As an amazing principal, John Keelin consistently advocates for the scholars' needs and strives to provide them with the best educational experience possible.
Perhaps one of the most outstanding aspects of John's leadership is his unwavering support during challenging times. During my challenging journey in the hospital, battling cancer, John Keelin has been an unwavering source of support and encouragement. His kindness and compassion have played a pivotal role in my emotional and mental well-being during this difficult time. John's frequent visits, thoughtful gestures, and heartfelt words of encouragement have provided a glimmer of hope and positivity in the midst of my health struggles. He has gone above and beyond to ensure that I have the resources and assistance needed, making my hospital stay as comfortable as possible. John's support has not only eased the physical burden but has also been a tremendous boost to my morale, reminding me that I am part of a caring community that stands by me through thick and thin. His selflessness and genuine care have made a significant difference in my battle against cancer, and I am immensely grateful for his unwavering friendship and support. Without hesitation, I declare John Keelin as the perfect nominee for LifeChanger of the Year.
Mr. Keelin is a really good principal. He always supports his students and works hard everyday to make our school experience amazing.
Mr. Kreelin is an exceptional principal. His rapport with students is instantly noticeable and he creates an open and encouraging learning environment.
I think that the ASK Academy offers a great education, and one of the reasons is because the middle school principal brings enthusiasm, passion for the mission, and effective communication that supports scholars, parents and teachers to find successful pathways in their education plans. He is accessible, incredibly nice, and understanding. It is evident that he has great expectations for the scholars and works to create opportunities to support scholars. He communicates effectively and helps scholars suceed. Mr. Keelin is incredibly deserving of this award.
I've been to three different schools with many different principals, and I think that the ASK Academy is not only the best school I've been to but also has the best principal. He is always communicating with scholars, parents and teachers alike to make the school enjoyable and safe for all. He is incredibly nice and understanding, even if you have done something wrong. Best principal I've seen, total opposite of the "mean" principal seen in movies and TV shows!
Mr. Keelin is everything you would want in a middle school principle. He is warm and caring, but also has great expectations for the kids. He is accessible and communicates so well. Mr. Keelin is a help and blessing to all the students and their families.
He is a very good principal and always Mae's sure we are being nice and respectful
Mr. Keelin is a wonderful principal. He helps students succeed in middle school, and cares for his staff.
Wonderful principle! You can tell he truly cares for the scholars as well as the school.
Mr. Keelin is committed to the scholars' success.
Mr Keelin is a spectacular leader who cares deeply about students and the community.
Mr. Keelin truly cares about all scholars and about all of the staff who support them. As a staff member and the parent of a scholar, I am so grateful for the contributions he makes to our school community. He helps make our school a place my daughter and I look forward to coming to each day.
As a colleague, John is excellent facilitator. He is always ready with solutions. His care for our scholars is beyond compare, his compassion is evident, always. John is one of the reasons I am pursuing a career in education.
Mr. Keelin is an outstanding person and educator. I can't express enough words for the admiration on the quality of care and education he places on our kids, school and community. Truly a gift to our school and my kids adore his approachability, creativity and care. Again...not enough words.
John is a natural, gifted educator. He makes sure to think of student's needs first, while supporting his teachers to help the student. He has a natural way to connect with diverse students and support them in their along their academic/personal journey's. Thank you Mr. Keelin for making ASK a great place for kids to learn.
Very good and understanding teacher. He has helped me in the past when I was going through some problems. Wish he was our principal in high school!
I am a tad late to this party but will crash it anyhow - which will be no surprise to John! I only had 1 year to work professionally with and get to know John Keelin. He was a Dean of Students here while I was one of the elementary school counselors. I have been fortunate to work with many good people throughout a 35year+ educational work history. John made an indelible impression on me: First off, he's funny, caring, engaging, curious, energetic, supportive, team player, and so many other positive words to describe just how he rolls into and through the days with students, staff and families. We ALL appreciated just being around him. He's also approachable, inquisitive, a good listener, compassionate, intelligent, appreciates perspective, and endeavors to keep himself and others of all ages accountable. He puts himself out there, not afraid to lead, he is task-oriented, takes action and gets the job done. He is a "life-changer" in that he role models these qualities every single day. We want children and adults to constantly recognize that positive change is always an option. One never knows on any given day when the inspiration for positive change will take hold. John knows this and demonstrates this quality consistently on a daily basis. It takes work to intentionally go into the days and be aware of the impact, for better and for worse, that we all have on others as we go about our business. This also includes role modeling how we cope with the not-so-great days or the days that seem flat or full of problems...we deal, we do our best, as does John Keelin. He is aware of the balance to our days and to life in general and continually greets it all with a "we can do this" attitude. He gives us hope regularly. I only had one year working as a colleague with this gentleman and I am deeply appreciative and miss the interaction. I, and our community here, have been changed for the better in having had this experience and rapport with him and try to "pay it forward." I whole-heartedly agree with the sentiments and truths shared here from the other folks and know that no matter what, John will just continue doing good work for the sake of others and the enrichment of their well-being. Good job, Mr. Keelin, proud of you!
I have had the gift of knowing John got many years, both professionally and personally. John encompasses what a beautiful human being is. He is a life changer!
I wholeheartedly agree with everything expressed in the post above about John Keelin but would like to take a moment to expand on some of the qualities about him that our family has experienced first-hand.
“His kind and patient demeanor has made him popular among his students, who view him as a trusted mentor and friend. He connects with them on a deeper level, creating a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued and supported.”
I have three kids at the ASK Academy, two sophomores and an eighth grader. Even though Mr. Keelin is technically the middle school principal, he’s made it a point of letting ALL the students know he’s there for them in whatever capacity they need. It’s rare to walk into the office and NOT see a student in Mr. Keelin’s office for any number of reasons – working on homework, a quiet place to just be, a place to hang out and chat, someone to talk to about friend issues… the list is endless. Kids are drawn to him because of his positivity, kindness, compassion, and his willingness to TRULY get to know each of them.
At the end of the year, Mr. Keelin was on the giving and receiving end of some good-natured pranking with many of the students during senior week, which he took in stride and with his signature positivity and excellent sense of humor. This kind of back and forth is only possible because the students absolutely view him as a trusted mentor and friend.
“What sets Mr. Keelin apart is his unwavering dedication to helping students do better for themselves. He serves as a guide, providing support, encouragement, and guidance to help students achieve their educational, social, and emotional goals. His approach has profoundly impacted students, creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and mutual support.”
Mr. Keelin has looked out for my female middle-schooler all year, being there for her to talk when she was dealing with friend drama, reminding her to make good decisions, and providing a safe haven when she felt like no one else was on her side. From a parent perspective, I reached out to Mr. Keelin regarding my concern for my middle-schooler’s deficiencies in a subject. I wanted to get her into tutoring that I was told she didn’t qualify for. He jumped into action and by the end of the day, she was scheduled for tutoring 3 days/week through ASK. Fast forward a few months later when the school tutoring did not seem to be helping, Mr. Keelin provided resources on private tutors he would recommend. He has demonstrated time and time again his willingness to support my child’s social, emotional and educational well-being.
My sophomores have also confided in Mr. Keelin on more than one occasion, participated in the above-mentioned pranking, and know that if they need anything (even just something printed in a pinch), Mr. Keelin will be there for them.
“He has a proactive approach to problem-solving. He has a keen intuition and can quickly identify when a situation may be brewing.“
Mr. Keelin is the crossing guard in the morning during drop-off. I noticed one day (and most every day after) that he placed a whiteboard in the crosswalk with a new question he would pose to the students as they walked in. Mr. Keelin would say good morning to each student, by name, and ask them their answer to the question. This was just one of the countless ways Mr. Keelin connected with the kids. He told me once he could tell from the look on the kid’s faces each morning how they were feeling and if it would be a good day for them. Think about that for a minute, he knows the kids so well, he KNEW just by looking at them how they were feeling because he took the time and made the effort to get to know them. That’s the kind of man John Keelin is.
“Mr. Keelin is invested in the mental health and well-being of his students. He recognizes that academic success is closely tied to emotional and mental health and creates a safe and supportive space for students.”
There is no question Mr. Keelin is invested in the mental health and well-being of his students, but I’d like to also point out that he’s invested in the mental health and well-being of his FACULTY as well. Mr. Keelin put together something equivalent to a “Go Fund Me” page to collect donations to upgrade the faculty lounge. He recognized that the faculty NEEDED a sanctuary to recharge during the day in order to be the best educators they could be for their students. He secured the funds and with help from our amazing Parent Committee President, Mr. Keelin transformed the tired and dated faculty lounge into a warm, welcoming, and cozy space for the faculty to recharge.
I’m so happy an anonymous parent nominated John Keelin for this honor, there is no one more deserving than him. Our family feels so lucky to have Mr. Keelin at the ASK Academy and we emphatically recommend him for the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Mr. Keelin's kindness and compassion, combined with his skill in teaching, is a model for all future teachers. It is obvious that he deeply cares for his students and their families. As my son's kindergarten teachers years ago, Mr. Keelin was the best teacher he could have had given our situation. Now, as my son is in college, I still think often of Mr. Keelin and smile. I could not have asked for a better guide, mentor, and teacher for my son. Yes, the title of 'LifeChanger' is quite fitting. More teachers/administrators like Mr. Keelin, please!
I worked with John Keelin for many years while he was an elementary school teacher. He made a difference in the lives of all of his students. He truly cares about the students he serves, not just their academics. I am happy to support this nomination!
Mr. Keelin was instrumental in the education of all four of my children. Through his passion for teaching, all my children have grown to excel in school and into college. Mr. Keelin fosters an environment that is safe and inclusive and takes to heart each child’s individual needs to ensure their success in the classroom and beyond. Our family holds our time with Mr. Keelin near and dear to our hearts. He is truly the definition of a “LifeChanger.”
The nominator described John perfectly. He always puts kids first and he is extremely effective at fostering relationships with both students and parents. As a a colleague he is a team player and he always steps up to say "what can I do to help?". He encourages people to be their best and to continue growing in their practice. He empowers people to learn by teaching them, and he always has a smile on his face. He is humorous and truly a joy to work with.
We are so lucky to have this educator at ASK Academy. I have watched firsthand, how my 6th-grade daughter has thrived in this school under his leadership. He is positive, kind, and present with the students. His vision and enthusiasm are exciting and we are thrilled to be a part of his program. I am delighted that John was nominated for this prestigious award. He is a worthy candidate and his passion and efforts do not go unnoticed by the students, parents, and community.
Having worked with John in a volunteer capacity with young children, I must say, he's an amazingly talented teacher and mentor. I miss our days at camp, but am grateful to see this recognition of his talents.
I agree 100%. I have seen John work miracles with students. He is a first class educator with many natural abilities. He leaves an lasting impression on all students.
Life Changer would be a perfect title for Mr. keelin. Our community is blessed by his efforts to change so many young children for the better. I particularly like how he teaches discipline and responsibility.
Mr. Keelin is the type of administrator that every school needs. One that supports the positive growth of his students and his staff.
What a beautiful testimony written about John and his devotion to his students and his community. Any school would benefit greatly from his wholistic and inclusive approach. Congratulations on a job done above and beyond!
John has always gone above and beyond to do what he can for the kids of this community. This community is very fortunate to have someone who cares and takes the time to always go the extra mile.
John has a gift that I wish every child could experience. He knows how to connect with even the most challenging kids and turn situations around. He is a blessing to our children!
Mr. Keelin is what is good about education. He is an incredible man. Middle schoolers are lucky to have him as a role model and advocate, teachers are lucky to have him as a lead learner, and families are lucky to have him guiding their children’s educational experience.
You don’t run across educators that care as much as John does. He truly wants to make a difference.
Mr. Keelin is the reason I became a teacher, and now Assistant Principal. He is not only an inspiration to his students, he is an inspiration to his family, friends, and colleagues and has changed the lives of many!
New Mexico is lucky to have such a fabulous Educator!
