Coordinator Excels at Putting Together Special Services Puzzle

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

Cheryl Holtman proves every day that an avid Texas Tech fan can become an integral part of the Red Raider staff. Holtman is an academic administrative coordinator in TTU K-12's Special Services Department.

Holtman came to campus from the cotton industry after spending several years working from home. She and her husband raised three sons; all five are Red Raiders who enjoy events on campus, including watching the talented Goin' Band from Raiderland and the Red Raider Men's Basketball team.

In her two years with the district, working in two different capacities, Holtman says it's been a privilege to learn how the online school serves students and school districts from several different perspectives. She's been in the Special Services Department for one year and previously worked in the Institutional Services Department.

“The two positions are very different and deal with two completely different populations of TTU K-12,” she explained. “That's one thing I've loved about working here. Not everyone realizes there are many ways we can help students succeed and reach their educational goals.”

In her role at TTU K-12, Holtman serves full-time, part-time, and adult students who qualify for special services because of a specific mental or physical diagnosis. Her department meets with them and their families to talk through solutions.

“In a completely online, virtual, asynchronous environment, it's unusual to meet with so many families and students face to face,” Holtman said. “I'm fortunate to meet fun and interesting people from all over the country.”

In addition to the families, Holtman says working closely with a talented team makes her feel lucky. She supports the special services director, the diagnostician, two special education instructors, and the school's dyslexia specialist. She also helps manage services and specialty platforms implemented in the background for special services students. If those duties weren't enough, Holtman also works with the advising team, the TTU K-12 Registrar's Office, the information technology team, and the district testing team to ensure all students have the appropriate support. At TTU K-12, staff frequently come together in the best interest of students. She likens this work to a puzzle.

“Have you ever completed a puzzle? Each student that comes to our department is a unique puzzle. Our department holds important pieces of that student's educational success,” she said. “We take the time to carefully place those educational pieces for every student. It's interesting, challenging and fun.

“After we've worked so hard to implement solutions and support for a student, it's extremely satisfying when they reach their goals and succeed. Sometimes all they need is a level playing field. That's where the special services team excels.”

Holtman gets excited when she talks about her future and the future of TTU K-12.

“I have a front-row seat to watch TTU K-12 grow,” she said. “I enjoy problem-solving, so I look forward to participating in the creation of new and innovative ways to serve our students. There's always room for improvement, and I enjoy working with our talented team toward new solutions.”

Holtman's piece of advice, as an educator, is something she always tells her sons, and all the TTU K-12 students her team supports: Don't give up, work hard and be proud of your best effort.

“Very simply, I get to cheer our students on. I'm so proud of our students and the hard work they do. TTU K-12 is an extremely rigorous curriculum that prepares our students to succeed in post-secondary work. I love this job; I love helping the students.”