BVU Student Honored by Council Bluffs Schools
Glenwood High School graduate gains valuable experience as a paraeducator while gearing up for student-teaching assignments.
Buena Vista University student Denver Holeton has been named Support Staff Member of the Month (October) by both Hoover Elementary School and the Council Bluffs Community School District.
“I was really surprised and really honored by the recognition,” says Holeton, who started his employment in Council Bluffs in August. He was cited for nurturing student and family relationships at Hoover Elementary School, where he currently works. He was lauded for exceeding expectations in his tasks several times per day.
Previously, Holeton worked two years as a paraeducator for his alma mater, the Glenwood Community School District.
As a senior at Glenwood High School in 2015, Holeton began working at a childcare center. It was then he decided upon a teaching career. The BVU senior will finish his in-class instruction through BVU in July 2022. He’ll begin student-teaching in August.
“I’m still really shocked, and honored, I was presented with this award, both from Hoover and the entire school district.”
Denver Holeton
“My degree will be in K-6 general education with a reading endorsement,” he says. “BVU has helped me develop effective teaching strategies. Much of what I’ve learned in class, I’ve been able to put forth in the classroom during my time as a paraeducator. My work in both Glenwood and Council Bluffs will help prepare me for my time as a student-teacher next year.”
Holeton picked BVU after attending Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs for two years. “BVU was the school all of my Iowa Western professors talked highly of,” he says. “Plus, I could attend BVU online and the class schedule would accommodate my work schedule. I’ve been able to work and gain experience that’s helping me as I prepare to become a teacher.”
The experience has also benefitted the children and the staff of Hoover Elementary School, as evidenced by the award.
“The highs and lows of teaching as a paraeducator have been great,” he says. “I’m still really shocked, and honored, I was presented with this award, both from Hoover and the entire school district.”