Katie Holliday is a fifth and sixth grade science teacher at Tybee Island Maritime Academy. She was nominated by a parent and one of her students. They describe Ms. Holliday as a dedicated educator who inspires students through hands-on learning.
“Ms. Holliday makes education more enjoyable and fun, while also covering the standards required,” says the student who nominated Ms. Holliday. “For example, after doing research on the depths of the ocean and the features within them, we created signs to mark the depths of different ocean features until we hit rock bottom (Marianas Trench, 6.78 miles deep. We planned a large bike ride for all of the teachers and sixth graders around Tybee Island to represent those things, and it tuxpress how thankful we are for Ms. Holliday— her quiet, steady compassion and commitment to showing up as her best for her students, along with her creativity through the last year, have made a world of difference!
During virtual learning, Ms. Holliday was not only an excellent communicator via Google Classroom, but during a time when her students were overwhelmingly behind screens, she regularly challenged them to get outside and observe their environments, then record their plant or animal observations through drawings and written descriptions. Upon returning in-person, Mrs. Holiday regularly utilizes outdoor classroom space for experiments with the students— like making ‘elephant toothpaste’ (?!)— and continually takes advantage of the unique educational opportunities the beach & beautiful environment Tybee Island provides. Whether it’s studying native plants, the tides, or all things ocean life, (even the math & science of litter in the dunes!), they are outdoors constantly: observing, sketching and discussing. Ms. Holliday has most definitely adapted creatively through this COVID year and has pivoted with grace, like so many amazing and resilient educators who have found themselves between a rock and hard place. It is my hope that her efforts don’t go unrecognized— I hope she knows that TIMA parents like myself love and appreciate her!
