Spotlight on: Hollie Wolanski
June 2025 High School Teacher of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for June 2025 was “academic role model” for both students and teachers.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The June 2025 Senior Students of the Month are Sydney Bell and Brian Flint, and the June 2025 High School Teacher of the Month is Hollie Wolanski.
Below is a Q&A with Hollie Wolanski:
Subject/grade level: Mathematics (grades 7 – 12)
Years in education: 25
Q. What does being recognized as an academic role model mean to you?
A. I am very honored to be recognized as an academic role model. I strive each day to help students academically as well as just being an honest, caring person.
Q. What motivates you to maintain high academic standards in your classroom?
A. I want students to be successful in the content. I know many students struggle with mathematics as it is the only subject that builds upon itself. I do my best to spend time with each student and ensure they understand the material.
Q. How do you inspire students to reach their full academic potential?
A. Constant encouragement and constructive criticism! We are all good at something and must use any struggles or failures as a learning opportunity.
Q. What is one strategy or approach you use that you feel makes a difference in student learning?
A. I like to have fun along with providing structure and routine in the lessons. I also feel it is extremely important to create positive relationships with students.
Q. Can you share a memorable teaching moment that reminds you why you love this profession?
A. I am reminded each day why I love this profession: It’s the satisfaction of seeing students finally understand a concept that they’ve been struggling with and how much their confidence grows as we progress through the school year.
Q. What advice would you give to new teachers aiming to become strong academic role models?
A. Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to ask colleagues for help.