“Every single day of my career, there has been at least one moment that made me love teaching.”
Mrs. Andrea Holtry, 2011-12 MASD Teacher of the Year
Each year the Middletown Area School District celebrates the career of one of our teachers by choosing them as the MASD Teacher of the Year. This year’s Teacher of the year is Mrs. Andrea Holtry, the district’s Family and Consumer Science teacher. She has been teaching for 20 years, with 8 of those years being at the Middletown Area School District. When asked about her time with the district Mrs. Holtry replied, “The sense of community is a special characteristic of the students, families, staff and administration of MASD. The supportive environment encourages me to strive to try new and exciting ways of teaching.”
Mrs. Holtry exemplifies what it truly means to be a Middletown teacher. She leads by example as she continues to be a lifelong learner working towards her second Master’s degree in
Learning Technologies. Mrs. Holtry believes it is important to model lifelong learning and curiosity for her students. When in the classroom she constantly challenges her students to use their active imaginations and willingness to step outside familiar comfort zones to take on roles of responsibility and leadership within the school and in the community. When asked about Mrs. Holtry, Principal Pat Hruz said, “Mrs. Holtry is completely and equally committed to her content area and her students. Her ability to engage students in rigorous and relevant learning is commendable. Mrs. Holtry is an outstanding teacher in every way!”
As the world turns towards standardized testing, Mrs. Holtry continues to prove why elective courses are an important part of each student’s academic and social growth. Mrs. Holtry states, “Although standardization has its place, we too often overlook the diversity of aptitude and passion of our students. The role of Family and Consumer Sciences is to prepare each student to meet the challenges of adult life by prioritizing goals, accomplishing relevant, real-life tasks, and reflecting on the meaning of family, work and community. With the elective courses at the high school, we create opportunities to celebrate and nurture each student’s enthusiasm, curiosity and unique talents. “
The Middletown Area School District is proud to have Mrs. Andrea Holtry as our 2011-12 MASD Teacher of the Year.