Tim Kelly is one of five children, born in Dalby back in the 1960s. He survived primary school well enough, but his secondary school years were an academic disaster—having once been unsure on a science exam about the colour of blood. This failure was compounded over the years, though his success in English and Modern History provided a sliver of hope. He believes that his academic difficulties provided him with compassion for students who struggle with motivation and find themselves a little lost.
After two years spent learning to play guitar, he embarked on a Bachelor of Arts at Griffith University, completing an honours thesis on Rolling Stone magazine. He then began a career as a music journalist while also studying teaching at the University of Queensland. His first teaching position was at Loganlea State High School, where he taught Civics and History.
Arriving at Brisbane State High School in 1995, Tim taught Senior English and Modern History. He later left Education Queensland to work at Redlands College, where he also taught Film and Television. In 2000, he was appointed Head of English at Redeemer Lutheran College, a position he held until 2020. In 2021, he took up a similar role at The Springfield Anglican College, where he is currently working. He teaches Literature, English Extension, and General English. Tim is about to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology at Monash University—an achievement he is particularly delighted with, given his earlier history with science.
Tim is married to the Reverend Kate Littmann-Kelly and has two adult children. He is often accompanied by his English Pointers, Jarvis and Mosely, who work hard to keep him physically healthy. He also plays guitar in a Talking Heads cover band.
