Kevin Kiley: “In the spirit of National Teacher Appreciation Week, I wish to take a moment to recognize a teacher from Rocklin Unified…”

“In the spirit of National Teacher Appreciation Week, I wish to take a moment to recognize a teacher from Rocklin Unified School District, Holly Gotwals, who has dedicated 24 years of her career to educating the students of her community. Mrs. Gotwals, a graduate of Sacramento State, showcases innovation, compassion, and dedication in her classroom. She teaches a special education adult transition class for students who are 18 to 22 years old with moderate to severe needs and did not receive a high school diploma. Mrs. Gotwals focuses her class on teaching her students functional English and math, current events, independent living and vocational skills, cooking, fitness and nutrition, how to be involved in their community, mobility training, social skills, self-advocacy, and career awareness. In a remarkable manner, Mrs. Gotwals tailors each lesson to each individual student. She goes as far as to work closely with local community businesses to secure job training opportunities for her students that match their interests and skills. She looks to the futures of her students, and some go on to other educational institutions, such as the UC-Davis SEED program, while others are able to secure jobs locally in our community. Mrs. Gotwals fosters a sense of independence and confidence in the classroom. She is not just an educator, as she has proven to be a strong advocate and a role model to her students.…”