Engaging students in the classroom, turning history into action, and bringing history into the present are just some of the reasons why Mr. Kelly Hiebert's students believe he won a prestigious national teaching award.
Last week, the long-time history and social studies teacher from Westwood Collegiate and co-founder of the Westwood Historical Society received a Prime Minister's Certificate of Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence. It's the third provincial or national award he's received for his work in the last few years.
This week, seven of Mr. Hiebert's current and former students volunteered to share their perspectives on his win.
Engaging Students
Grade 12 student Merrick T. took U.S. History and Grade 9 Social Studies—Canada in the Contemporary World—with Mr. Hiebert. Merrick admits that history was boring until he stepped into Mr. Hiebert's class. “I feel like he goes beyond history," he says. “His enthusiasm about these topics really engaged me."
Merrick adds that Mr. Hiebert checks-in with students about how they're feeling about a topic or upcoming test.
Grade 11 student Gabriella D. says Mr. Hiebert's teaching is very approachable. “He makes sure that we understand," she says. “I've really enjoyed it."
Mahina K. is in Grade 10 and is currently taking Canadian History. “He puts everything he has into teaching," she says. “He would do anything to help you grow and learn."
Turning History into Action
Grade 10 student Elijah V. confirms that his older brother Nathan nominated Mr. Hiebert for the Prime Minister's
Award. “[Mr. Hiebert] was just an influential person in [my brother's] life," he explains.
Nathan cofounded the Westwood Historical Society with Mr. Hiebert, a student group based out of the school that is committed to gaining a deeper understanding of twentieth century history and turning history into action. In 2022, group premiered their Holocaust documentary film Truth Against Distortion, which was recently screened at the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival.
“I think [Mr. Hiebert] deserves the award because he encourages us to learn about historical events and why they happened and why we should learn about them," says Elijah, who has taken Canadian History with the educator.
Crystal L. is a Grade 11 student, avid history book reader, and a member of the Historical Society. Recently, she says the group sold orange shirts to raise money for the Mama Bear Clan, a community safety initiative based out of the North Point Douglas Women's Centre. “It feels good to help out and volunteer for things," she says.
Grade 12 student Sarah F. says Mr. Hiebert encouraged her to sign up for the historical group, which helped her develop leadership skills. “I'm grateful for the space that he gives us for the Historical Society to take actions to address issues in society," she explains.
Bringing History into the Present
This spring, Mr. Hiebert is organizing a field trip to Central Europe to visit Holocaust historical sites.
Sarah has signed up. She's also taken U.S. and global history with Mr. Hiebert. “I think he tries to make sure that everyone is engaged. Regardless of what course it is, it's always connected to broader topics, so you get a well-rounded education on historical and current topics," she says.
Grade 12 student Jasper Lily W. has taken three courses with Mr. Hiebert. She's also flying to Europe this spring and has taken field trips closer to home with Mr. Hiebert, including a visit to a residential school in Winnipeg. She says she feels like a modern witness to history. “He's just made me and others feel passionate about history and I'm just really happy he received this award," she says.
Responding to Current Events
What happens when history unfolds in real time?
With protests, vigils and rallies taking place across the country in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel this past weekend, and Israel's subsequent declaration of war on Hamas, Mr. Heibert says he is broaching this sensitive subject with his students in a respectful way that prioritizes historical analysis.
“I do my best to bring communities together when I teach. That means sharing multiple perspectives, encouraging students to think critically about what is transpiring, and engaging in meaningful discussions," he says.
With mounting civilian casualties and horrific stories coming to light since the conflict began, Kelly admits he feels emotionally drained and devastated by the largest attack in the region since the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
“The targeting of civilians, as well as the death of civilians on both sides, is heartbreaking. I'd like to see the international community show unity in pushing for a peace process as soon as possible. But in the meantime, I'll be checking in with my students, making sure they are okay, and staying open to their ideas of how to process this information and potentially help those in need."
The Prime Minister's Certificate of Achievement is Mr. Hiebert's third teaching award. During the last school year he received the Governor General's Award for Excellence in History Teaching and the Manitoba Teaching Excellence Award.
Congratulations to Mr. Hiebert on this outstanding achievement.
Pictured Above (from top to bottom): Mr. Kelly Hiebert with students Gabriella D., Jasper Lily W., Sarah F., Merrick T., Elijah V., Crystal L., and Mahina K.; Prime Minister's Award winners were announced on Oct. 5, 2023.
