Daniel Holley began his first year teaching in August. He is a third grade teacher at Delta Elementary School in Bay Minette.

His favorite part about teaching is teaching his students how to challenge themselves and set goals.

“I love watching a group of students experience a ‘productive struggle,’” Holley says. “Knowing that I am empowering these students with knowledge every day is one of my favorite things.”

Holley had several signs and inspirations that lead him to the teaching professions.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I noticed I enjoyed helping people learn new concepts and ideas,” he says. “In college, I used to help people who were taking classes with me. I would show them strategies that could help them learn the material.”

Holley had one teacher in particular that inspired him … in more than one way.

“My mom is the speech pathologist at Stapleton Elementary School,” he says. “Her passion for her career, her students and her school has inspired me to do the best work I can. I would also like to thank my cooperating teachers from college, the coaches at the University of Mobile and all of my professors.”

There isn’t just one lesson that Holley hopes his students will learn.

“I want me students to become life-long learners,” he says. “I aspire to teach my students important life skills such as responsibility, leadership and compassion. I hope that my students will leave my classroom with the desire to be lifelong learners.”

TEACHER: Daniel Holley

SCHOOL: Delta Elementary School

SUBJECT(S) TAUGHT: Third grade

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: My favorite escape from school is running. I use running as an opportunity to deal with the stresses of life. Running helps me experience perseverance, goal setting and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. I ran cross country for the University of Mobile while I was working toward my degree. I am currently training for my first full marathon in November.