Mrs. Holly Riggs, currently serving as the Learning Coordinator for Alternative, Distance, and Adult Education at Pathways Innovative Education, has been in her role for nine months but carries with her a lifelong passion for education. “My grandmother was a teacher, and my mother attended college as an education major, so I knew I wanted to be a teacher since the fourth grade,” Mrs. Riggs reflects. This early exposure to education shaped her career aspirations, which were further solidified through her experiences volunteering with teachers throughout middle and high school. “I was able to learn a great deal from their experiences,” she adds, pointing to the invaluable lessons she gained from these early experiences.
Mrs. Riggs’ path into school administration was also influenced by the mentorship she received from experienced administrators. “I was privileged to spend time with great administrators who took me under their wings and helped me see that a future in leadership was something I wanted to pursue,” she notes, underscoring the importance of mentorship in her career journey.
At Pathways, Mrs. Riggs is deeply committed to ensuring that every student feels welcomed and accepted, regardless of how long they are with the school. “Even if they are only with us for a short time, we want them to know that our staff truly does care and wants only the best for them; educationally and personally,” she explains. This commitment is evident in the way Pathways engages with students and their families, particularly through enrollment meetings. “By having enrollment meetings with each student, we are able to sit down with our students and their families and gain a better understanding of why they are coming to Pathways and what they hope to gain from their experience here,” Mrs. Riggs shares.
The role of a school administrator is dynamic, and Mrs. Riggs embraces the variety that each day brings. “Each day is so different depending on meeting schedules, testing schedules, and how many students we have on campus,” she says. Despite the challenges, she finds great satisfaction in her work, particularly in her interactions with her team. “Fortunately, my amazing staff makes my job of overseeing Pathways an enjoyable one,” she emphasizes. Morning meetings with her staff are a highlight for Mrs. Riggs, as they offer an opportunity to connect and collaborate. “Hearing the teachers express their wins and concerns brings us closer together as a team. We are able to brainstorm and come up with ideas to make Pathways even better,” she notes. This collaborative spirit is part of what makes Pathways a “work in progress,” always striving for improvement while celebrating successes.
Engaging with students, parents, and the broader community is central to Mrs. Riggs’ philosophy. She is passionate about creating a positive atmosphere at Pathways, one that is immediately felt by anyone who enters the school. “When parents and students walk into Pathways, we want them to feel the positive atmosphere that we cultivate each and every day,” she says. The smaller size of the school allows for more personalized attention, which Mrs. Riggs believes is crucial. “Because of our smaller numbers, we are able to invest more individual time into our students as well as their families,” she explains. This personalized approach not only benefits the students but also helps to build a strong reputation within the community. “Our hope is that those families share their positive experience with their friends, and, in turn, the community will view Pathways as a viable option for many of their students,” she adds.
Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Riggs finds balance and rejuvenation through her personal interests, which include spending time with her family, camping, exploring sand dunes, baking, and reading. “Being able to ‘refill my cup’ with my family and friends is so important to keeping myself able to attend to my duties at school,” she says, highlighting the importance of self-care and personal time in maintaining her effectiveness as an educator.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Riggs is enthusiastic about the future of Pathways Innovative Education and its role in the community. “I would just like people to know that Pathways is a viable option for many students in our community,” she concludes. “We work hard to put students’ needs first and hope to raise awareness of the benefits of online learning.” With her dedication, vision, and the support of her team, Mrs. Riggs is committed to making Pathways a place where every student can thrive.
