Taylor Holmer is in her second year as a first-grade teacher at Northern Hills Elementary School.
“She’s innovative when it comes to the classroom,” Northern Hills Principal David Ralph said about Holmer. “She makes connections with her kids. Strong relationships on top of her relevant teaching.”
The goal of the Horizon Award program is to recognize recent first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding. 32 teachers across the state receive the award each year.
Holmer said her first year was a little more difficult than she expected, but she’s made the most out of it. “Trying to make things fun despite the challenges and the hurdles that you have to take during this COVID time,” she said.
Holmer received a phone call from Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson congratulating her on her achievement.
Holmer said she loves what she is doing by helping kids grow. “I wanted to make a difference in a lot of lives, and this is the perfect way to do that,” Holmer said. “Those kids will be nurses, doctors, teachers, they could be in the army one day and it’s kind of cool that you get to be a stepping stone in their journey.”