Gregory Shedden, of Sisler High School in the Winnipeg School Division, is the recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award – Senior Years.
Mr. Shedden’s contributions as a classroom teacher in English and History and his accomplishments as an innovative leader within the school community “can only be called phenomenal” in the words of his principal. His teaching practices are creative, promote experiential learning, and are highly effective. These practices are evident in his History classes which were brought to life through the use of his acting skills or the staging of real life hands-on learning experiences. Immigrant and refugee students in Mr. Shedden’s English as an Additional Language classes have rich opportunity to share their own stories while learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Outside the classroom, his leadership and commitment to engaging students in social justice and environmental issues is extraordinary. Initiatives such as green school improvements, support of community service agencies, and educational outreach on youth health and lifestyle issues have garnered local, provincial and national recognition.