Celebrating Holly Becker
Math Teacher // Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools // 2025 North Central Zone MREA Educator of Excellence
In classrooms everywhere, math can intimidate even the brightest students. But in Holly Becker’s classroom, math becomes something entirely different—joyful, meaningful, and deeply human. After more than 20 years of teaching, Holly’s students don’t just learn formulas and functions; they feel seen, supported, and inspired to believe in themselves.
From the moment students step into her room, Holly’s approach is clear. She blends rigorous academics with humor, warmth, and an unmistakable sense of play. Her lessons challenge students to think deeply, but they’re wrapped in laughter, silliness, and a classroom energy that pulls everyone in. As one student shared, “She just makes it fun. She’s passionate about math, and you can tell she cares.”
That genuine care is what defines Holly. She notices when a student is struggling—not just academically, but emotionally. She checks in. She listens. She builds relationships that make students feel safe enough to take risks, ask questions, and push themselves further than they ever expected. Her commitment shows in the outcomes: students who once believed they were “average at math” willingly enroll in pre-calculus and calculus because they know she’ll guide them every step of the way.
Colleagues describe Holly not just as an outstanding educator but as the most well-liked teacher they’ve seen in decades. Her classroom radiates positivity, and her impact reaches far beyond math skills. She teaches perseverance, confidence, and life lessons that shape who her students become.
Holly has also embraced the evolution of education—from pencil-and-paper instruction to Google Classroom and Zoom sessions—adapting with intention because she wants the best for every learner.
Perhaps her greatest legacy is the students who choose teaching because of her. “When I’m a teacher,” one future educator said, “I want to be like Mrs. Becker.”
For Holly, math is simply the medium. Her real superpower is helping students discover their own.
Congratulations Mrs. Becker on being named a 2025 MREA Educator of Excellence in the North Central Zone. Mrs. Becker was honored and celebrated in November at the MREA Greater Education Summit at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd.