Ava Holt, a longtime social worker at William S. Hackett Middle School, has been named one of the top 13 teachers of 2022 by WNYT/Ch. 13.
Ch. 13 featured an interview with her Feb. 2. She is one of 13 educators in the greater Capital Region to receive the honor this year from among more than 400 nominations the station received.
Holt has spent more than 24 years in the City School District of Albany, the last 14 at Hackett. In addition to meeting the social-emotional needs of students each and every day, she has organized annual the school talent show and Black History Month celebrations. She also organizes the annual Hackett Giving Tree, providing gifts that parents and guardians in need can give their children during the holidays.
She was nominated by 14 of her students and colleagues. Here’s a sample of what they had to say:
“I am nominating Mrs. Holt because she always helps me to get back on track any time I need her … She is that person that I look up to the most,” eighth grader Aaliyah Bickley said in her nomination.
“Mrs. Holt is simply one of the most genuine, kind-hearted and thoughtful human beings I have ever met. Her tireless efforts to support students, faculty and staff never ends. The world would be such a brighter place if more people saw it through the eyes of Mrs. Holt,” said special education teacher Kelly MacNabb.
“She is kind and thoughtful. We often have conversations while drinking tea,” eighth grader Tea’Shawn Walker said.
“You can trust her with your emotions to be non-judgmental and forthright in nature. You can be confident in her expertise to be the best support to anyone that crosses her path. Ava is always there in a pinch to lend students support. I can count on her every time as she respects my assessment of all situations and is open, ready and willing to listen to all sides before developing a plan of action,” said English teacher Jaclyn Rancourt.
