FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                  April 4, 2005

NORTHWESTERN GRADUATE NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

            Matthew Holtzen, a 1996 Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduate, was named Teacher of the Year by the Oklahoma Council for the Social Studies (OCSS).

Each year the OCSS recognizes three teachers— one each from elementary, junior high or middle school and high school—who work to promote quality social studies in Oklahoma. The criterion for the award include the development of creative and effective instructional materials and strategies and techniques; using new education from appropriate fields; showing an ability to foster questioning and develop skills to use information to make decisions relating to domestic and international affairs; and being involved in professional development and activities.

Holtzen, an Enid High School (EHS) history and political science teacher, is known for using unique approaches to getting his student’s attention. By winning this award, Holtzen is eligible to compete for the National Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year award.

Holtzen also teaches the EHS Citizen and Constitution class that won the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Oklahoma State Competition earlier this year. He and his students are now planning their trip to the national finals in Washington, D.C., in late April. They will be competing against 49 other state teams.

Holtzen is working on his master’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis on social studies at Oklahoma State University.

- NW -

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