I love to share stories about talented classroom teachers who are honored for their dedication and hard work. One of these is Ellen Holmes, a Spanish language teacher at Riverside High School in Durham, North Carolina. She has been named a finalist for 2019-2020 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Ellen’s career as an educator has spanned seven years so far. She left a career in hospitality to go into teaching. “I became a teacher because I really didn’t feel in my previous career that I was giving back or leaving my mark or doing something that I was really passionate about,” revealed Ellen. “I’m really passionate about working with youth and just sharing my love for the language and culture of Spanish,” she continued. “Honestly, my students are why I teach,” she concluded.

Ellen’s principal, Tonya Williams, cannot heap enough praise on the world language educator. “Ms. Holmes serves our parents as the co-leader of our Grupos de Padres Latinos, and serves her colleagues as a mentor, advocate, and supporter!” Williams remarked. “Ms. Holmes’ passion and expertise is needed to influence education policy and programming, not only at the local level, but also at the state level,” she continued.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Ellen devotes much of her energy to the school’s Latino students. She serves as the adviser for Destino Success, a club that supports its members culturally, academically, and within their community. Through her efforts, the graduation rates for these students has increased. She has also encouraged the students’ parents to become more involved in the education of their children.

Ellen earned her Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. After she earned her degree, she spent a semester abroad at Menendez Pelayo International University in Seville, Spain. She earned her teaching credential at North Carolina State University.