Northwood Spotlight: Kelly Tran

Art Teacher

Where are you originally from and what brought you to Mercer Island schools?

I am originally from Burien, WA.  I was attracted to the Mercer Island School District because of its small size and community support of visual arts education at all grade levels. 

What grade/area do you teach/support and how long have you been in education?

I was initially a 2nd-grade teacher for seven years and then taught 3rd-grade for another five years at Lakeridge before becoming an elementary art specialist.  I currently split my time teaching K-5 art at Northwood and Island Park Elementary. This is my 17th year of teaching!

What is your favorite sport or hobby to do when you are not at school?

Currently, napping and working in my garden are my favorite hobbies. I enjoy creating art in my home studio, reading, and playing the ukulele.  Clearly, it’s hard for me to pick just one hobby :)

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I love going to the coast every summer with my family.  My favorite beach town is Bandon, Oregon with it’s beautiful shoreline, parks, and vibrant art scene.  

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I spent a week hiking the Cinque Terre, a string of five medieval fishing villages connected by a trail above the Italian Riviera, all by myself.    

Tell us about your immediate family and pets.

I’ve been married to my husband Dan for 12 years. Our two kids are Emmett (6) and Levi (3). We also have a dachshund-terrier mutt named Milo(12). 

February 2023