Giving her all each day to educate some of the District’s youngest learners, Forest North Kindergarten Teacher Holly Matecko was named Round Rock ISD’s 2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year (TOY). She was named the elementary winner during the District’s annual TOY celebration on May 5, sponsored by the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education (PIE) Foundation and A+ Federal Credit Union.

Matecko was named the Teacher of the Year at Forest North and was selected among 33 elementary educators to represent the District at the regional competition. She has been educating students for three years, all of which have been at Forest North.

“Every single student that passes through every single classroom is worthy of a paramount education,” Matecko said. “Students come in with a rich background and history that can be beautifully intertwined with the educational community in front of them, if done intentionally. Educators can do this by critically reflecting on what “best practices” are, listening to all student behaviors, and showing up for them.”

As an educator, it is pivotal to Matecko to honor who students are and how they want to express themselves. Throughout the year, she will read stories based on amplifying and exploring diverse voices. During readings, she allows students to have a safe space to discuss connections, misconceptions and ask questions. Facilitating these conversations and learning can be challenging. Still, she hopes to build upon the bravery of her students, many of whom have a direct connection to the stories explored, she said.

Matecko will continue to the 2022 Region 13 Elementary Teacher of the Year competition, where she will represent Round Rock ISD in hopes of becoming the 2022 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“Holly Matecko is a special teacher and has been since her first day as a student-teacher at Forest North many years ago,” Principal Amy Jacobs said. “She always has a smile on her face and a cheerful attitude to guide her students and teammates. She is a compassionate educator who knows she must put her kindergartener’s emotional and social needs first. For years and years to come, her students love her because of the amazing relationships she builds. Her patience is off the charts, and she is perfectly suited to meet the needs of our very young students. We are so proud to work with Holly and call her the FNE Teacher of the year!”