Region 13 honors Spicewood teacher
Spicewood Elementary prekindergarten teacher Holly Todd (center, right) was honored by Region 13 Prize Patrol members (from left) Executive Director Rich Elsasser, Deputy Executive Director of Academic Services Kerry Gain, and Deputy Executive Director of Administrative Services Roger Dees on Oct. 6. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
Marble Falls Independent School District officials and members of the Region 13 Prize Patrol on Oct. 6 honored Spicewood Elementary School prekindergarten teacher Holly Todd as the Region 13 Star of the Month.
Education Service Center Region 13 is one of 20 educational service centers that offer workshops, certification programs, and other educational resources to Texas teachers. Each month, the organization sifts through hundreds of nominations to honor teachers within its service area of over 100 Central Texas school districts.
“The Prize Patrol is something we set up at Region 13 to highlight great teachers and educators throughout our region,” said Rich Elsasser, executive director of Education Service Center Region 13. “We want to celebrate the great things going on in education.”
Todd was selected as the October award winner because of her passion for the job.
“Holly Todd is a dedicated educator who puts her heart and soul into her classroom every day,” said Spicewood Elementary Principal Kara Gasaway. “Students know they are loved while being held to a high standard of behavior and academics.”
When asked what she loved most about her job, Todd went straight to the point.
“The kids,” she said as she pointed to her students. “I love watching them grow and watching them learn.”
The district values Todd’s impact on students, said LeeAnn Harkins, MFISD coordinator of Early Childhood Programs.
“You will always see evidence of student learning in this PK4 classroom,” Harkins said. “Engagement is in full swing in Mrs. Todd’s classroom.”
Officials also appreciate Todd’s ability to motivate other teachers within the district’s prekindergarten department.
“Holly has been an example to the other pre-K teachers in the district,” Gasaway said. “She is always willing to open her door and allow others to observe.”