Minnesota Teacher Of The Year visits Fairmont

Kelly Holstine, the 2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year and a 1992 Fairmont High School graduate, was the guest speaker at a back-to-school opening session for all educators at Fairmont Area Schools on Tuesday. Holstine teaches English at Tokata Learning Center, an alternative learning center in Shakopee.

Prior to teaching, Holstine worked in media, then as a social worker.

Since she was named Teacher of the Year in May, Holstine has had many interviews, given many speeches and attended many conferences. She will be going to the White House along with teachers of the year from the other 49 states to meet President Trump and Betsy DeVos, the U.S. Secretary of Education, among others.

Holstine explained that in order to be successful and help their students, educators need to be able to address their own needs so they can work better together with others.

Holstine said educators need to help challenge each other and encourage each other to be more authentic. She said that courageous connections make kids feel like they matter.

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