Two Halton District School Board (HDSB) teachers are recipients of the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching, Canada's most prestigious honour in the field of history. Ian Duncan, teacher at Garth Webb Secondary School, and Heather Howell, teacher at M.M. Robinson High School, are recognized among a small number of educators nationwide and are the sole recipients from Ontario this year.
Established in 1996 and administered by Canada's History Society, the award recognizes outstanding achievement in the teaching and learning of Canadian history - celebrating educators who support student learning by strengthening understanding of the past through innovative historical projects. Through meaningful engagement, these educators help students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper connection to Canada's history.
Ian Duncan is recognized for the Historytellers Project, a Grade 10 initiative with The ArQuives that invited students to research underrepresented areas of Canadian history. Students examined archival materials of 2S&LGBTQ+ history in Canada and collaborated with historians, artists and community members to develop short non-fiction narratives. Through the project, students strengthened their historical thinking skills by analyzing sources, considering multiple perspectives and presenting their findings in clear and engaging ways. The project concluded with physical and digital exhibits shared within the school, the broader community and online.
Heather Howell is honoured for leading the Heritage Garden Initiative, a collaboration with Museums of Burlington and M.M. Robinson High School's horticulture therapy program, part of the Community Pathways Program for students with special education needs. Working on the historic grounds of the Ireland House Museum, students cultivated a heritage garden using traditional methods reflective of late 19th-century food production. Alongside developing practical horticultural and workplace skills, students examined artifacts and historical tools to explore continuity and change in local food systems and community life. Produce from the garden was donated to the Burlington Food Bank, extending the project's impact beyond the classroom and into the community.
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"This national recognition reflects the dedication that HDSB teachers bring to their classrooms each day and the excellence in teaching that takes place across our schools," says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. "Ian and Heather's work demonstrates a strong commitment to engaging students through meaningful, innovative learning experiences. Through their work, students build critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, empathy and adaptability - skills that prepare them for success today and in the future."
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