Bloomington,
Minn., May 6, 2018
–
Kelly D. Holstine, an English teacher at Tokata Learning Center in
Shakopee, is the 2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Holstine
is the 54th recipient of the prestigious award, and the first from
the Shakopee district.
An
independent selection committee representing Minnesota leaders in
education, business and government chooses the Minnesota Teacher of
the Year from individuals who are nominated and who then choose to
become a candidate.
The
Tokata Learning Center is an alternative high school that serves
students in grades 9 through 12 in the Shakopee district and
surrounding areas.
“It
is true that our population can consist of students with varying
abilities and temperaments, but these same students are also some of
the most creative and brilliant humans with whom I have ever worked,”
Holstine said. “And, without fail, the students who arrive angry,
sad, hurt and/or scared reveal their vulnerability, brilliance and
beautiful selves when they feel safe and valued.”
“Many
of Tokata’s students are facing struggles that make it difficult to
thrive in a standard public school setting,” wrote Amy K. Mytnik, a
parent of two of Holstine’s students, in her nomination letter for
Holstine. “So it is important for the teachers to be able to adapt
their teaching styles to meet a variety of learning setbacks and
behavioral concerns. Kelly’s willingness to meet her students where
they are and use the most effective methods to foster an environment
of safety and healing is most effective in this environment.”
Holstine
has taught at Tokata since 2012, and has been teaching in Minnesota
since 2007. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of
Massachusetts and a master’s degree from Augsburg College.
Education
Minnesota, the 86,000-member statewide educators union, organizes and
underwrites the Teacher of the Year program. Candidates include
pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers and Adult Basic
Education teachers from public or private schools. The Minnesota
Teacher of the Year Program also receives support from the following
organizations: The Radisson Blu Mall of America, the Harvard Club of
Minnesota Foundation, United Educators Credit Union, McDonald’s
Restaurants of Minnesota, Educators Lifetime Solutions, EFS Advisors
and Education Minnesota ESI.
(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Follow Amy on Twitter @AmyKFGO. Follow JJ on Twitter @JJGodon701.)
