The Davis School District held a meeting on June 5, 2025, to honor Hollie Fisher, a fourth-grade teacher at Lakeside Elementary, who was named Teacher of the Year. Fisher, who has dedicated over 20 years to the district, shared her innovative teaching methods that incorporate technology to enhance student engagement and learning.
Fisher emphasized her use of virtual reality (VR) in the classroom, highlighting a recent project where students explored a VR world at Disneyland. This immersive experience allowed them to engage with the material in a fun and interactive way. Additionally, she utilized VR to teach science concepts, such as animal adaptations, by taking students on virtual field trips to arctic habitats.
Another tool Fisher employs is the green screen, which she used to create videos with her students. These videos serve as guides for incoming students, showcasing classroom procedures in an engaging manner. Fisher noted that her students enjoy adding their personal touches to these projects, which fosters creativity and excitement in learning.
Fisher's commitment to professional development is evident in her participation in the Leading Edge program and training at Microsoft Headquarters. Inspired by these experiences, she established the Junior Microsoft Expert program, encouraging her students to become proficient in various educational apps.
During the meeting, Fisher expressed her gratitude for being recognized as Teacher of the Year, describing it as a surprising yet humbling honor among many talented educators. She shared her philosophy of teaching, which focuses on helping students tackle complex subjects and experience moments of success and ownership in their learning journey.
The meeting concluded with a celebration of Fisher's achievements and a recognition of her impact on students and the broader educational community in the Davis School District.