Ed Kelley became a member of the Culver Academies' History Department in the fall of 1996. He earned a bachelor's degree in history at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, focusing on European and Asian histories. A minor in English also helped guide him toward the humanities curriculum. He also earned a master's degree in history from John Carroll. His central area of study was U.S.-Soviet relations while minor areas focused on U.S. foreign policy with Western Europe and Japan. Before joining the faculty at Culver, Mr. Kelley student-taught within the Westlake School District in Westlake, Ohio. He has taught in the 9th and now 10th grade humanities programs at Culver; he has also taught a variety of electives: Global History, Russian History/Cold War, Racism in American Society, and World Religions.

He is the assistant varsity football coach and head freshman basketball coach.

His wife, Anne Kelley, a graduate of CGA, is the counselor for Ithaka Dorm. They have three children, Mary Kate, Maggie and Tommy.