Meet Westonka's February 2013 Feature Teacher: Kay Ostman Saxvik

by Lorrie Ham

Congratulations to Kay Ostman Saxvik, the February Lord Fletcher’s Feature Teacher. Ostman Saxvik, a sixth-grader teacher at Grandview Middle School, has spent her entire 21-year teaching career in the Westonka Schools. She graduated with an Elementary Ed and Special Ed Degree from St. Cloud University and subsequently earned her Masters in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary’s University in Winona.

As a sixth-grader teacher, Ostman Saxvik has taught science, math, reading, English and social studies. Prior to that, she taught special ed at GMS for one year and special ed to third and fourth-graders at Shirley Hills.

“I truly enjoy when students make a connection, when the ‘light bulb goes off’ for them,” Ostman Saxvik said. “Sixth-graders tend to wear it—they grin; their eyes get big, and they are very excited when they finally ‘get it.’ I also enjoy that not one day is the same. The pace is fast—you start your day or week and all of a sudden it is Friday already. There is never a chance to be bored.”

Outside of school, Ostman Saxvik enjoys taking part in local church functions with family and youth, and she has been involved in Scouting in past years.

“Kay is a teacher with a heart of gold,” said Principal Christy Zachow. “If you sit in on a meeting or in a conference with her you know that she is always student-focused and wants to ensure that students know she cares about them. She has dedicated over 20 years to teaching in the Westonka schools and has been a kind, calm and supportive presence in the lives of those students she has worked with.”

“It is very exciting to see Westonka leading the pack,” added Ostman Saxvik. “We have good leadership. We have come a long way in 21 years and we should celebrate that!”

Each Feature Teacher winner receives a certificate for a brunch for two at Lord Fletcher’s.