Year: 2020 — Province: Saskatchewan
Certificate of Achievement Recipient
Little Red River School
English, creative writing, photography, science, psychology, grades 10 and 11
Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan
Although Kalyn has high expectations of students, her expectations are realistic. The students within the school have genuine respect for her belief in them. This results in positive relationships with the students, not only those she teaches directly, but with the entire student body.
For the last 10 years, Kalyn Heisler has commuted 60 km each way from her home to her First Nations school in Christopher Lake. Unfazed by lack of budget, equipment or other resources, she is generous with her time and attention. Students respond strongly; one Grade 12 class requested her as their graduation guest speaker, a role normally reserved for people outside the school.
Teaching approach
Kalyn introduces students to real-world issues, such as climate change and gender equality, and provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning. She also makes it clear what she expects students to learn—for example, she lists desired learning outcomes on posters in her classroom.
In the classroom
- Uses many technologies, such as smart whiteboards, iPads and desktop computers: creates online courses and modules for distance learners; students get hand-on software experience—for instance, they use iMovie to create act summaries of Macbeth.
- Engages students through concrete lessons: teaches fractions using chocolate bars and moon phases using Oreos; students work with live animals, such as scorpions and tarantulas; attendance rates for her classes are high.
- Celebrates students' Cree heritage: challenges students to analyze how their world today has evolved from that of their ancestors, who followed traditional Woodland Cree practices; invites parents and Elders to school to share knowledge.
- Fosters interest and pride in photography: helps students make books of their photographs; places those books in the school library for all to access; displays students' photos at school and on Facebook.
Outstanding achievements
- Developed a unit on automotive technology: brought in a mechanic to supervise students as they performed oil changes and brake work; had students build model cars from common materials; demonstrated cars' suspension and other systems in an off-road course.
- Supports extra-curricular activities: runs a high school-wide homework club to help students finish assignments; advises the student chief and council, mentoring members as they organize dances, pep rallies and school spirit weeks.
- Spurs environmental awareness: teaches classes about climate change; using an Excel spreadsheet, students assessed various actions to limit their carbon footprint and decided to install LED light bulbs, turn down thermostats and take shorter showers.
Get in touch!
Little Red River School
Box 226
Christopher Lake SK S0J 0N0
306-982-4433
darrensolomon@lrrs.ca
Facebook: @littleredriverschool