Kalyn Heisler taught multiple subjects at Little Red River School for the past 10 years. She is known for introducing students to real world issues, such as climate change and gender equality. (submitted photo/Kalyn Heisler)

By Dawson Thompson

Little Red, Big Award

Teacher at Little Red reserve rewarded Prime Minister’s Award for excellence

Oct 7, 2020 | 5:00 PM

A teacher west of Christopher Lake at Little Red River School has been awarded a Regional Certificate of Achievement for the 2020 Prime Minister’s Award (PMA) for Teaching Excellence.

Kalyn Heisler is a Grade 10 to 11 English, creative writing, photography, science, and psychology teacher. She has commuted 60 km each way from her home to the school for the past 10 years.

“I was definitely grateful to be nominated, especially to get recognition from your administration is a pretty big deal in itself,” Heisler told paNOW. “When I found out I received the award I was overwhelmed. It was pretty neat to see my name and accomplishments posted on a website.”

When the pandemic closed schools this spring and moved to the online world, Heisler’s students were already prepared for what that would look like as she introduced online classes to students years ago.

“I set up a lot of my programs online almost two years ago. In March when COVID hit we were pretty much ready to go, I told my students to continue what we were doing online,” Heisler said. “I have nine websites for the nine classes I teach.

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“Technology is a part of their everyday life. [High school students] if they are already immersed on their phones and technology then why not bring that into the classroom and give them a chance to get their materials from the Internet.”

Heisler considers herself a teacher who connects well with students. Working in a smaller school, she likes to create a family-like atmosphere in her classroom.

“I am very approachable with all my students. Not only do we talk during school hours I have also given out my cellphone number and had students text me ‘Happy Birthday.’ It’s nice to have that good relationship with my students to let them know that I am there for them.

“We are a small community. We do feel like we are one big family.”

Students in Heisler’s class say her classroom feels like home. (submitted photo/Kalyn Heisler)

Having been in the school system for as long as she has, Heisler knows exactly what she feels is most important about teaching.

“Getting students engaged, and loving school,” Heisler explained. “We want them here everyday and working. We want them to graduate, move on, and become something.”

Principal at Little Red, Darren Solomon said he thought Heisler was worthy of the recognition for always going above and beyond for students.

“Her ability to connect with the kids and make sure they are focused on their learning and moving their lives forward not only inside the classroom but outside as well, is something that we see as really special,” Solomon said.

Heisler has developed a unit on automotive technology and brings in mechanics to teach students about vehicles. She also teaches students about Cree heritage and challenges them to analyze how their world has evolved from that of their ancestors. As well, students in the past have worked with live animals such as scorpions and tarantulas.

Attendance in Heisler’s classes are known to be quite high.

Editors note: This story was amended to reflect a change that Heisler teaches on the Little Red reserve not Christopher Lake as previously reported.

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Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8