About Me

Kelly Hilton
TK-12 Professional Development Specialist in Pleasanton, California


I love being an educator! When I began my educational journey, I had no idea that being an educator would take me to so many places and introduce me to so many amazing people. Over the years, I have collected countless memories of connecting with kids, families, other educators, and communities (locally and globally). This profession has been exponentially rewarding and it has given me a platform to be creative, embrace culture and diversity, build relationships, reflect, and grow. What I now know for sure is that the process of developing as an educator is parallel to the milestones that are experienced in life. Each day, each season, each school year, I embrace learning while growing professionally and personally. 

I grew up as a student in Pleasanton schools and I am so grateful to have served in the Pleasanton Unified School District since 2005. As a teacher, I had the honor of teaching at the same elementary school that I attended and all three of my children also attended the same school. In 2015, I transitioned into an instructional coaching position TVTIP (TriValley Teacher Induction Project). This full release coaching model allowed me to work with new teachers during their first two years of teaching. I also worked as the PUSD middle school PAR coach and lead professional development for the district on various topics as needed. In 2018, I worked as the Vice Principal of Amador Valley High School. It was an honor to work along with side incredible colleagues at such an amazing high school! Currently, I am working in the PUSD Curriculum and Instruction Department as the TK-12 Professional Development Specialist. I am so inspired by the amazing teachers that I get to work with and it is a dream come true to work with elementary and secondary teachers. Pleasanton Unified has served as the roots and the wings of my career in education. I will be forever grateful. 

I am very proud of other projects that I have contributed to, founded or developed: 
  • Creator of the #citizensofchange project: A year-long project for students to develop a global view. 
  • Co-Founder of Schoogle: Digital Literacy Summer Camp for 4th - 8th Grade Students
  • Co-Creator of HyperDocs: Fully packaged digital lessons given to students and delivered in a blended learning classroom.
  • Co-Author of The HyperDoc Handbook: A guide for educators on shifting instruction and packaging lessons on HyperDocs. 
  • Teachers Give Teachers: A global professional learning community that shares lessons and instructional practices.
  • Elimu Safari: An educational exchange with schools in Africa. 

When I am not working as an educator, I am hanging with my three sons. We love to spend time with friends and out on the sports field, lacrosse or football. As a mom, I have watched each of my children experience the education system and learning in very different ways. As educators, we can use technology and proven pedagogical practices to meet the various
 needs of every student in the class.  I work to create classrooms in which every student has a voice and feels empowered to develop their purpose so that they build the confidence to be the best version of themselves.  I look forward to continued growth and collaboration with colleagues locally and globally. For more examples of my work and experience, please explore the websites linked below. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please reach out through the links below. 


Let's connect!