Manhattan Beach About Town
Robinson Elementary’s Kim Holz has been named one of California’s teachers of the year. Photo courtesy MBUSD
State teacher of the year
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson this week named five educators as the 2019 California Teachers of the Year. Robinson Elementary’s Kim Holz, MBUSD’s Teacher of the Year, was one of those five.
Torlakson, who began his career as a science teacher and coach, emphasized the impact these extraordinary teachers have on their schools and communities.
“These five remarkable teachers deserve thanks and admiration for their deep commitment, hard work, and creativity,” he said. “They make profound differences in their students’ lives and provide students the tools they need to succeed. They’re an inspiration and an example of the exceptional work going on in California schools.”
Holz is a fourth-grade multi-subject teacher at Robinson Elementary. She has been a teacher 38 years and at Robinson for 22 of those years.
“Ironically, Kim was a student at Robinson, where she first got the spark to become a teacher from her fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, who turned everyday learning into an experience,” said Principal Jackie O’Sullivan at a ceremony honoring the district’s teachers of the year last June. “Kim’s passion for subject matter is unparalleled, and though she is an outstanding teacher in every subject, social studies is where she shines the brightest. Entering her classroom is like entering a museum, complete with artifacts and displays. Kim has been known to travel extensively throughout California just to gather artifacts to share with her students. She brings California history alive.”
Holz is credited with helping shape literacy instruction in MBUSD as an Early Literacy trainer. Her recognition stressed her use of personalized learning, engagement, and differentiated instruction to help students become learners who can collaborate, create, problem-solve, and communicate effectively.
“I love watching kids discover the power of knowledge, the depth of their thinking, the compassion in their hearts and the joy of discovery,” Holz said.
Superintendent Michael Matthews said he was pleased but not surprised at Holz’s statewide recognition.
“Mrs. Holz has a passion for teaching that her students sense each and every day,” he said. “She takes great pride in teaching students to think critically and deeply about what they are learning.”
“In all my years, I’ve seen no one create learning energy around it like Kim,” said Katherine Whittaker Stopp, assistant superintendent for Educational Services. “She constructs inquiry-based experiences and integrates all content areas, resulting in memorable and rich learning for all.”
Holz credited her students and colleagues for her success.
“I am proud and honored to represent California’s educators,” she said.
Holz is the fourth MBUSD teacher to be named California Teacher of the Year in the last 18 years.
Torlakson, who launched a “Make the Switch: Become a Teacher” campaign this year, stressed the importance of getting the word out about the rewards of being a teacher.
“Great teachers are the backbone of our education system,” he said. “Teaching is a commitment to your community, your students, and most of all, a commitment to the future.”