Linn, Holly

Holly Linn

Holly was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan and attended Brandon University, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Education Degree. Not only did she graduate from University, but also met her husband there during her last year! …….BONUS!Holly’s first opportunity for employment was in January of 1987, with Frontier School Division, and she relocated to the small northern Manitoba community of Gillam. It took a very short while to adjust to walking to school in -44 degree weather, as she soon traded in her dress coat for a Kelsey-down Parka and knee-high Sorels. Her teaching experiences included Grade 2,3,5,6,7, Home Economics for Grades 9-12 as well as Grade 10 Art. Although the community was far from Holly’s biological family, she soon connected with colleagues, and began to feel ‘at home’. In time, her husband joined her and they made Gillam their home.Being in a small northern town for the span of 15 years, allowed Holly to see and participate in the full cycle of a child’s educational experience, from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. The relationship developed with parents and the ability to share in their celebrations connected her to them in a profound way. Watching a student, you taught in Grade 3, 5 and 7, graduate from Grade 12, is an overwhelming experience and an accomplishment that she still cherishes. In 2001, Holly and her husband decided to begin a new adventure, and they headed west to Alberta. Fort McMurray was the destination and they were excited at the opportunities that lay ahead. Her husband had a job offer and she was hoping that she could secure one as well, with the Public School District. An opening for a Grade 8 Integrated Occupational Program became available and Holly welcomed the challenge! Just as it happened with her colleagues in Gillam, a ‘feeling of family’ soon began to develop.Holly was employed at Westview School, teaching the Integrated Occupational Program for four years.The program was specifically designed to provide hands-on-learning for students struggling in the regular program. Through woodworking projects, cooking classes and sewing, the IOP class, soon became the class you wanted to be a part of. The success was greater than just the projects though. It provided

students with the confidence and self-esteem to continue on through their educational journey, developing the skills needed as they matured and sought employment or further education.

In 2006 Holly tried her hand at high school, teaching Grade 10 Art, Grade 9 and 10 Foods, as well as Grade 9 Fashion, at Westwood Community High School. Though valuable experiences were achieved while at Westwood, she knew her strengths were back in elementary. That following year she returned to Westview to teach Junior High, Grade 8 Language Arts and Social.

In 2009, Holly began to venture away from the classroom, in a capacity that offered a different kind of support for the students in her school. She became the Learning Support Teacher at Westview School and was also the liaison for English Language Learners, and First Nations Metis and Inuit. Along with these new roles, Holly also became involved with Literacy and continues to focus heavily on providing supports for struggling readers.

When weather and time allows, Holly enjoy spending time outdoors in nature, gardening, fishing and camping.