Kelly Svenson

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) - Europe South District proudly announces that Ms. Kelly Svenson, a special education teacher at Vicenza Middle School in Italy, has been selected as the 2026 Europe South District Teacher of the Year.

Known for her student-centered approach and dedication to comprehensive education, she works closely with students, families, and colleagues to support academic growth and overall well-being.

With more than 20 years in education, Svenson began her career teaching English as a foreign language in Hiroshima, Japan. She later taught German and Japanese and worked as a speech-language pathologist supporting students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Las Vegas, Nevada. She joined DoDEA in 2017 at Vicenza Middle School.

Svenson holds a bachelor’s degree in German from California State University, Northridge, a master’s in education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a master’s in communication disorders from Western Kentucky University.

"It’s essential to understand each student’s strengths and challenges, and to teach the way they need to learn so they can reach their full potential," Svenson said.