2019 Rising Alumni: Courtney Holmes
Courtney Holmes is a Special Education Supervisor for Osseo Area Schools, and is described as an advocate of humanity, a strong proponent of individualism, and a formidable adversary of racist practices. Courtney is one of the few female, African American educators and administrators among many white men and women serving communities of African American learners and others of African descent. She is a long-time advocate for students with disabilities and a strong voice in overcoming racism in schools. Courtney’s work in managing the behavior of students with disabilities has evolved into training other professionals how to use culturally responsive strategies and join with parents in a partnership approach to working with struggling students. She has developed useful tools for teachers and provided extensive professional development in early intervention, culturally appropriate communication and instruction, conflict management, and behavioral intervention.
Employer
Student Service Coordinator, Osseo Area Schools
CEHD Degree
K-12 Education Administrative Licensure, 2014
Please list any professional accomplishments you wish to mention.
I completed my doctoral degree.
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in CEHD?
Chris Sonenblum is the most influential person that I had the distinct privilege of encountering during my time in the College of Education and Human Development. She is so knowledgeable and committed to sharing her knowledge with others. She made learning enjoyable. I will forever appreciate her support. The University of Minnesota is fortunate to have her as a part of the faculty.
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
My favorite memory is when I presented my electronic portfolio to the review panel. It was the perfect culminating activity to review and present all that I learned.
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
The program gave me the skills that I needed to become an effective administrator. The internship experience provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of special education leadership.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
There are many skills important to today’s success. I would include having effective communication skills, empathy, active listening skills , awareness of the issues in the field, knowledge of best practices, networking and collaboration, problem solving, being humble, and being teachable.
Who has inspiried you the most during your career?
My mother has inspired, motivated, encouraged, and supported me throughout my career.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
There are many skills important to today’s success. I would include having effective communication skills, empathy, active listening skills , awareness of the issues in the field, knowledge of best practices, networking and collaboration, problem solving, being humble, and being teachable.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I love going for a walk.
How do others describe you?
People have described me as loving, considerate, and ambitious.
How do you describe yourself?
I would say I’m a team player, passionate, driven, open-minded, caring, and funny.
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
Culturally Responsive School Leadership by Muhammed Khalifa
If you could have coffee with anyone from history, who would it be?
Maya Angelou.
What gets you excited about work?
I love being able to make a difference in the life of a child.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a movie star.
Outside of your job, how do you grow professionally?
I have lived in nine different states.