Mrs. Kelly Tucker is a Cajun transplant and entrepreneur that made her way from Dallas to the Emerald Coast as fast as she could after her youngest daughter graduated high school in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration as well as a Master of Science degree in Business Management & Leadership. The pandemic of 2020 allowed Mrs. Tucker to do a great deal of self- reflection and revealed her true passion to be teaching. As a recent empty nester, this seemed like the most opportune time for a career change that seamlessly blended her relevant business experience with her desire for training the next generation. Kelly joined the team at Destin High School with over 20 years of experience in corporate America after successfully running wealth management firms and owning businesses that ranged from photography and event planning to a temp staffing company, and even an ice cream truck!
At Destin High School, Mrs. Tucker currently chairs the Career & Technical Education (CTE) department and teaches Business Education courses like Entrepreneurship, Business Management & Law, Marketing, Fashion Marketing, and Leadership. Additionally, she serves both as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sponsor and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District 1 Chapter Advisor as well.
Mrs. Tucker’s vision for the Career & Technical Education Department at Destin High School is to be a transformative force that empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences needed to be leaders of integrity advancing toward successful careers in the 21st century. The goal is to become the standard for comprehensive education preparing students not only for academic success, but also for challenges and opportunities they may encounter in future professions. In striving to be a pillar of innovation and excellence, the CTE department will focus on cutting-edge programs, alignment of industry trends and technologies, hands-on experiences, local partnerships, holistic skill development, inclusivity and diversity, and making a positive impact that extends beyond our Destin community.
Aside from Kelly’s professional endeavors, her most endearing roles started at home with being a wife to one, mother to five, and “Lovey” to three! She loves chocolate, family, bunnies, beaches, and Jesus…not necessarily in that order. Singing is her hobby, but worship is her passion. Presently, she can be found leading worship on the weekends and has previously served in other leadership capacities across the U.S. spanning from women’s ministry to church planting, youth ministry and special events. In years past, Mrs. Tucker also volunteered her time as a sworn Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Collin County which provided specialized training in dealing with various stages of child development and abuse. She believes this unique combination of personal and professional life experience plays a critical role both inside and outside the classroom when aspiring to prepare our future leaders and young entrepreneurs.
