Robert Kelty

Robert Kelty, Head of Development, Outreach, & Government Relations, IB North America, began his career in Crownpoint, NM, nestled within the Navajo Nation, at Teach For America in 2001. Robert has assumed various roles, including head of school, school superintendent, senior manager for Teach For America, and an elected official as the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools. In this capacity, he collaborated closely with governmental entities at all levels including indigenous nations.  

The IB, renowned globally as an esteemed education foundation, operates across more than 6,000 schools worldwide and 2,000 schools within the U.S. Robert spearheads the development of strategic plans, communications, policies, and initiatives to foster IB growth and increase access for students across the U.S. and Canada. He leads government relations efforts at both state and federal levels and cultivates partnerships to advance educational equity, access, and innovation.

Robert earned his doctorate from Northern Arizona University (NAU) and received an honorary doctorate from NAU in 2008. He boasts a rich array of accolades, having been recognized as a former Arizona Teacher of the Year, published in the Journal of American Indian Education, and serving as a lead author for ""On Indian Ground: The Southwest"" (2021). Additionally, he contributed as a signatory to an Amicus Brief presented to the U.S. Supreme Court, advocating for federal obligations in Native American education.