Wadena trainer proves the sum of enjoyable and studying is bigger than stress – Wadena Pioneer Journal

WADENA

— Math is usually a robust topic to overcome, even for the brightest college students. But in Holly Becker’s classroom, numbers function a bridge to confidence, connection and lifelong studying. The Wadena-Deer Creek Middle/High School math trainer has greater than twenty years of expertise and a repute for reworking math from a supply of stress into one thing enjoyable, inspirational and relatable.

Her ardour for creating welcoming areas extends past the classroom, serving to college students really feel seen, heard and grounded in a way of belonging. That dedication is likely one of the many causes Becker was honored Nov. 16 because the 2025 Minnesota Rural Education Association Educator of Excellence for the North Central Zone through the Greater Education Summit at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd.

As one in all solely 4 educators statewide to obtain the award, Becker joked that she initially tried calculating the chance of successful — factoring within the variety of lecturers in Minnesota, her years of expertise and, she mentioned, “dividing that by the number of times I’ve said, ‘show your work.’”

When she realized she had been chosen, Becker mentioned, “I thought I was either dreaming, or someone forgot to carry the one.” She mentioned the popularity is an honor, however was fast to border it as a neighborhood achievement reasonably than a person one, crediting the partnership between the varsity and the broader neighborhood.

Superintendent Lee Westrum, who nominated Becker for the award, mentioned she is well-known all through the Wadena and Deer Creek communities and serves as an exemplary trainer and college chief.

“Her authentic enthusiasm lifts the spirits of the entire school,” Westrum mentioned. “She is a master teacher of mathematics, and she is loved by the best math students in our school as well as by those who struggle in math. She is, without question, the most popular teacher I have ever worked with — she is authentic, caring, humble and sincere.”

From the second college students stroll into her classroom, Becker units a tone that blends rigor with heat. Her classes problem college students to suppose critically, but the ambiance is fueled by humor. She mentioned her instructing philosophy is to maintain issues “light and fun,” and that being a little bit foolish provides college students permission to be themselves.

“If we’re having fun and we’re giggling and we’re laughing and I’m being a goofball and I’m singing and dancing, I just think that we actually accomplish more and people don’t hold back,” Becker mentioned.

That care extends far past lecturers, rooted in her real love for her college students. She notices when a scholar is struggling emotionally and gives the encouragement they want. She checks in, listens and builds relationships that make college students really feel protected taking dangers.

“When I was going to school, somebody once told me that students don’t care what you know until they know that you care,” Becker mentioned. She mentioned that concept has remained on the forefront of her profession.

“Building relationships and helping students feel safe — they need to know they’re safe to make mistakes and safe to dive into new material that might seem difficult, because I’m going to be here to help them,” Becker mentioned.

Even when college students aren’t in school, many will be present in Becker’s room — engaged on assignments, asking questions or just hanging out. Becker mentioned she retains an open-door coverage, and college students know they’re welcome throughout her prep hours.

“It’s so fun, the conversations we have,” Becker mentioned. “I’m a teacher, but the bonds and the connections are important. I just leave it as a revolving door for everybody. Everyone’s welcome at any time. If you’re having a bad day or just need somewhere to sit, my door is always open.”

Wadena-Deer Creek senior Ashley Pavek mentioned taking one in all Becker’s math lessons seems like a ceremony of passage.

“I feel like there’s almost a legacy that goes with it. When you’d talk to upperclassmen when we were younger, they all did calculus, so you just kind of go along with it because you know if they can do calculus, I guess I can, too,” Pavek mentioned.

Senior Kennedy Ness agreed, including that Becker’s impression extends effectively past commencement. “My brother took her math classes, and he still remembers her fondly,” Ness mentioned. “He has a baby now and everything, but he still talks about Mrs. Becker.”

Reflecting on how instructing has advanced all through her 23-year profession, from utilizing chalkboards and chalk in her first yr to overhead projectors with transparencies in her second yr, and now utilizing Google Classroom and Zoom throughout COVID.

“And I think a big realization is you can’t perfect teaching. You have to always be changing, evolving,” mentioned Becker. From pencils, notebooks and a textbook to know-how, Becker mentioned it’s simply extra instruments to assist her college students be taught.

She emphasised the significance of flexibility and adapting to totally different studying types, however what has remained fixed is her love for her college students and fervour for training.

For Becker, the award is significant — however the every day moments with college students matter much more.

“The students are awesome, and they are always trying,” she said. “And anybody who believes in the power of education, that’s what I think of the award. It’s not just mine — it’s for everyone.”