Minnesota's 2018 'Teacher Of The Year' Announced

SHAKOPEE, MN — 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 award, but the first from the Shakopee district.

The Tokata Learning Center is an alternative high school that serves students in grades nine 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 in a statement.

“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.”

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“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.

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.

Below is the full list of 2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year finalists:

• Courtney Bell, North Academy of Arts and Communication, Minneapolis, social studies, grades 9-12
• Dani Berry, Epsilon, Intermediate District 287, math, grades 7-12
• Scott Glew, Salk Middle School, Elk River, social studies, grade 8
• Kelly Holstine, Tokata Learning Center, Shakopee, English, grades 9-12
• Adam Kuehnel, Minnesota Correctional Facility–Faribault, State of Minnesota, English language arts, Adult Basic Education
• Alyssa Larsen, Waconia High School, Waconia, human geography and world history, grades 10-12
• Tim Leistikow, Fridley High School, Fridley, English, grades 11-12
• Shaylee McComb, Weaver Elementary, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, music, grades K-5
• Malia Norton, Medford Elementary, Medford, elementary, grade 2
• Renee Swanson, High School for Recording Arts, St. Paul, biology, grades 9-12
• Sheena Tisland, Red Wing High School, Red Wing, language arts, grade 9
• Gregory Truso, Wilshire Park Elementary, St. Anthony-New Brighton, elementary, grade 2

Photo via Education Minnesota