The mastermind behind McCluer’s work experience program is Mr. Ken Holzapfel, the 2011 Special School District Teacher of the Year.

“He’s really so deserving of that honor,” said colleague Ms. Julie Dee.

She also believes that he is the kind of teacher that parents want their child to have.

“He’s a great teacher,” said Ms. Barb Burgess. “He works well with the students and he genuinely likes what he does.”

An honor like this should be tremendous single-person achievement, but Holzapfel doesn’t see it that way.

“This award for me is more of a team effort,” he said. “I do a million things, and my team does the same amount of work; I can’t do this without them.”

Holzapfel previously worked at a juvenile center and was assigned to McCluer. He and Ms. Judy Howton expanded what is now the Work Experience program. When she retired in 2006, Holzapfel was given the keys to steer the program.

“We are still trying to find ways to improve,” said Holzapfel.  “Our long-term goal is to hire students from this program for a business.”

    “Many students find it hard to get employed and its even harder to stay employed,” he said. He said he feels this is his way of helping people.

“He’s very caring and very good with the students; he encourages them to do anything,” said Ms. Elizabeth Tippitt.

“Everyone calls him Mr. H,” Dee said. “He has the enthusiasm and positive spirit to be a great leader.”

Holzapfel has done many things and has faced obstacles in the process. “In spite of many roadblocks he has persevered,” Dee said. “If there’s a will there’s a way; I believe in him.”   
Even with this award, Holzapfel doesn’t want all the credit for the program.

“I want to think I made a difference in peoples lives; hopefully me being here has help that happen,” he said. “I love what I do, I enjoy the kids and staff, and in the end I believe it’s what’s right.”