Mason Elementary School teacher named LSD Teacher of the Year | People

The following is a press release from the Laurel School District:

Laurel School District prides itself on expecting greatness, but this motto does not only apply to students.

Rhonda Holloman, a Mason Elementary School first grade teacher, exemplified greatness in her classroom, which led to receiving teacher of the year for the Laurel School District.  Holloman was the honor by Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno on Jan. 31.

“I was voted Mason’s teacher of the year first by my peers, but I was blown away when I heard the news that I was chosen as the district’s teacher of the year,” Holloman said. “I felt very blessed.”

Holloman has been a teacher at Mason for three years, and has been both teacher and administrator in her 30 years in education.  As part of her application for the state level, she had to complete a series of essays as to why education was important to her.  

“I am here to establish a productive, caring atmosphere in which children can learn and experience success,” she wrote. “Throughout my years of teaching many ideas have changed, but I have maintained the responsibility to increase interest, shape thinking, encourage and develop children’s learning.”

According to Mason Elementary principal Ken Culpepper, there was no one more deserving of the award than Holloman.

“She is one of the few teachers who, even when the job gets tough, wants children in school and in the classroom regardless of their behavioral habits,” Culpepper said. “This just affirmed that there was not a better candidate because of her focus, and loving touch to every teacher, student and parent. “

Holloman credits a mentor from her past for her passion for teaching.

“I have to thank Elaine Herbison who pushed me to get my Masters, and for being such a positive mentor,” Holloman said. “She took me out of the classroom, and taught me to make a difference, and I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today without her.”

Holloman received her bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and Elementary Education at the University of Southern Mississippi. She also received her master’s degree in Administration at Mississippi State University.   Holloman is a member of the Mississippi Professional Educators , and is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children.  Currently, Holloman serves on the Mason Leadership Team.

With Holloman’s education, experience and love for children, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno believes Holloman represents what the Laurel School District looks for in a quality teacher.

“I am so proud of Rhonda Holloman and the wonderful work she is doing with her students at Mason Elementary,” Benigno said. “Mrs. Holloman's classroom is an inviting place where children are surrounded by love and are challenged to strive for excellence. I am most impressed with her ability to focus on the individual needs of each child while still expecting the entire class to reach a high level of achievement.” 

Holloman is married to J.D. Holloman and they have two children Justin Holloman and Maegen Collins who is married to Joesph Collins. They also have three grandchildren, Hunter Holloman (4), McKinsley Kaye Holloman (4 months) and Adelynn Claire Collins (8 months).