JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For Duval County Teacher of the Year finalist Holly Hultgren, it's about more than just teaching agriscience and biotechnology.
"I feel so blessed to be a party of these students' lives," Hultgren said. "Every morning, they inspire me to get up and do this job."
Hultgren introduces her students to the agricultural world and makes them part owners. She engages the business world in the program through classroom demonstrations, field trips, mentoring and internships. She took on the challenge of ensuring seniors in the Agriscience/Biotechnology Academy at Peterson were successful in obtaining the opportunity to intern with a veterinarian or animal shelter. Through her efforts, the Agriscience/Biotechnology Academy received the designation as a National Model Academy through the National Career Academy Coalition.
And her advice to parents?
"Just be patient and take time to work with them," Hultgren said. "Ask them what they are learning today. That bonding moment is what moms and dads need to be doing."
Hultgren’s approach is working. She has achieved 100 percent graduation rate from her academy.