From Eagles to Blackhawks - Helping students succeed

SEELEY LAKE – After 14 years of teaching at Seeley Lake Elementary School, Michele Holmes is now the business teacher, librarian, instructional coach and Title 1 support at Seeley-Swan High School. While there is a lot to learn with all of these new roles, Holmes welcomes the challenge and looks forward to helping the SSHS students succeed.

Holmes is a Montana native. However it was while working in Michigan in the I.T. department for a manufacturing company that she found a love for teaching.

"I began training staff on various computer technologies and found that I really enjoyed it," wrote Holmes in an email.

When Holmes returned to the Seeley-Swan Valley nearly 25 years ago, she started her own secretarial/computer business for a short time and then worked at Clearwater Montana Properties. 

"I have always been involved in training or teaching in some capacity in all of my jobs," wrote Holmes. "It seemed a logical fit to pursue business education."

Holmes received an Associate of Arts from Muskegon Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Montana in Business and Information Technology Education with a minor in Marketing Education and a Library Media Endorsement from The University of Montana. She is also National Board Certified in Library Media.

Holmes student taught at SSHS and was a long-term substitute at Swan Valley Elementary School before working at Seeley Lake Elementary. She was the Library Media Specialist for the past 14 years.

When the business teacher and librarian position opened at SSHS Holmes jumped at the opportunity for several reasons. After doing her student teaching there, she has always wanted to eventually return. She was also ready for a change.

"I feel that my 14 years of experience in technology and library skills will help me with all of the 'hats' [I wear] at the high school," wrote Holmes. "In addition, I know almost all of the students having taught them at the grade school."

This year, Holmes is purposely keeping things the same as last year as she learns all of the aspects of her job.

"[Katrina Stout] leaves very big shoes to fill," wrote Holmes. 

Holmes added that the challenges also present a huge opportunity for her to network with other people in these positions within the Missoula County Public School District. This was not an option at SLE because it is its own district.

In the future, Holmes hopes to diversify the business class offerings by allowing students to take a variety of classes or go more indepth with the current courses. She is also looking into participating in the Business Professionals of America program which involves opportunities for students to compete in various business skills at the state level. This could be anything from finance to marketing and communications and more.

"It is so rewarding to see our kids learning and growing," wrote Holmes. "I am looking forward to seeing SSHS students succeed in their school endeavors and support them to the best of my abilities."

When Holmes is not in the classroom she enjoys all things outdoors including hiking, kayaking and camping. Another favorite pastime is reading.