Seaside Middle’s Ben Holliday: Fostering Growth and Engagement in the Classroom and Beyond
Ben Holliday, Seaside Middle School English Teacher
At Seaside Middle School, seventh-grade English teacher Ben Holliday is more than an educator—he's a mentor, innovator, and community builder. Now in his seventh year at the school, Holliday has dedicated his career to creating an engaging and supportive environment where students can grow both academically and personally.
Holliday’s teaching philosophy revolves around transparency, accessibility, and student engagement. His classroom is filled with charts and anchor references that guide students through their learning journey, ensuring they have clear pathways to success. He works closely with his professional learning community (PLC) and instructional leadership team (ILT) to implement strategies that prioritize student growth.
“We’ve been really leaning into the retry and reteaching process this year,” Holliday explains. “It’s all about giving students the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, fostering a growth mindset, and making sure that they have the support they need to succeed.”
Beyond his classroom, Holliday has played a key role in shaping Seaside Middle’s advisory program. Initially focused on cultural awareness, the program has evolved to meet the academic needs of students, providing structured time for them to focus on their coursework.
“Both students and teachers wanted more academic support built into advisory, so we adapted to that need,” he says.
In addition to advisory, Holliday ensures that student voices are heard in school-wide decision-making. Through structured feedback sessions and the analysis of YouthTruth survey data, he helps create actionable steps to improve student experiences.
Recognizing that not all students find their niche in traditional extracurricular activities, Holliday established a tabletop board game club four years ago. With funding received during the pandemic, he expanded the club’s game collection, offering students a space to develop critical thinking skills, socialize, and enjoy a competitive yet supportive environment.
“This club gives students who may not be involved in sports an outlet where they can challenge themselves mentally,” he says. “It’s been great seeing them teach each other new games and apply strategy in a fun, engaging way.”
Holliday’s journey to becoming a teacher started early, with a passion for helping his peers in school. From tutoring algebra in high school to earning degrees from San Francisco State and UC Santa Cruz, his path has been shaped by a commitment to student success. Seaside Middle has been his home since the start of his teaching career, and he continues to find inspiration in the energy and determination of his students.
“Students here have such drive,” Holliday reflects. “When they’re passionate about something, they stick with it. Seeing them embrace growth, overcome challenges, and push their thinking—it’s what makes teaching at Seaside Middle so special.”
As he continues to inspire and support his students, Holliday exemplifies the dedication and adaptability that make Monterey Peninsula Unified School District educators stand out. His work in the classroom and beyond ensures that students not only succeed academically but also develop the resilience and confidence they need for the future.