Mission Viejo, CA – Association of American Educators The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national nonunion, professional association serving educators in all fifty states, and its Arkansas chapter Arkansas State Teachers Association (ASTA) are pleased to announce the winner of the Darrell and Suzanne Holmquist Student Teacher of the Year Award for 2024. The award recipient is Ke’Von Holder. Mr. Holder completed his student teaching training as a sixth grade educator at Greenbrier Middle School in Greenbrier, Arkansas. He received his Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of Central Arkansas in May 2024.

The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national nonunion, professional association serving educators in all fifty states, and its Arkansas chapter Arkansas State Teachers Association (ASTA) are pleased to announce the winner of the Darrell and Suzanne Holmquist Student Teacher of the Year Award for 2024. The award recipient is Ke’Von Holder. Mr. Holder completed his student teaching training as a sixth grade educator at Greenbrier Middle School in Greenbrier, Arkansas. He received his Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of Central Arkansas in May 2024.

The Darrell and Suzanne Holmquist Student Teacher of the Year Award recognizes excellence in student teaching, and is made possible through a generous gift by long-time educator and AAE member Darrell Holmquist and his wife Suzanne. This is AAE’s only award dedicated exclusively to student educators. The purpose of the award is to celebrate student teachers who excel in this critical phase of education training and acknowledges the many opportunities for growth as well as navigating the unknowns that student teachers face as they apply their years of coursework, preparation, and theoretical knowledge in a classroom setting for the first time.

“From the very beginning, Mr. Holder demonstrated an unwavering determination to ensure that every student succeeds,” noted his supervising teacher, Ms. Katie Camargo in her nomination letter. “One of Mr. Holder’s greatest strengths is his ability to design engaging and purposeful lessons that cater to the specific needs of his students. It is evident that Mr. Holder’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves an equal opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”

In his acceptance of this national recognition, Mr. Holder said, “Thank you for this incredible honor! I am grateful to Ms. Katie Camargo for her mentorship and for nominating me for this prestigious award. Working under her guidance was a great experience. Her support and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my teaching career.” Mr. Holder also announced, “I am excited to share that I have been hired to teach sixth-grade social studies at Greenbrier Middle School alongside Ms. Camargo; continuing to contribute to the Greenbrier School District.”

We salute all of this year’s nominees and congratulate the 2024 Student Teacher of the Year winner Ke’Von Holder as he begins his professional teaching journey in Greenbrier this fall.

The Darrell and Suzanne Holmquist Student Teacher of the Year Award includes $250 toward setting up a new classroom and a one-year professional membership in the AAE Arkansas chapter Arkansas State Teacher Association (ASTA). The competition was open to all education students who completed their student teaching in the 2023-2024 school year and will be entering the classroom for the first time in fall 2024. For further information and questions regarding the program, email awards@aaeteachers.org.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, nonunion, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE and its Arkansas chapter ASTA are committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, student teachers, university professors, and supporters can learn more at joinaae.org.

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