Prime Minister's award for Surrey teacher

November 25, 2013

“You are crew, not passengers,” says Stefan Stipp to his Guildford Park students on their first day, empowering them to be participants who work independently to move a project forward.

The English, social studies and psychology teacher continues: “You are here to expand your possibilities including changing the way you think. You’ll need to learn to use your minds well by developing sound intellectual habits.

“You’ll examine big ideas like truth, goodness, love, diversity, and freedom and figure out how they might enrich your life.”

Now, Stipp’s approach to his Grades 9-12Â classes has seen him recognized with a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

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According to the award’s website, Stipp - who also teaches career education and skills development - received the award in Ottawa for the following achievements:

â'¢ His students take increasing ownership of their learning as they are taught to become self-regulated learners. Through Stipp’s system, students are taught to independently use learning tools. Ultimately, they receive a “Learners Licence”, which gives them additional freedom.

â'¢ He was instrumental in the purchase of two electronic tablet carts and one tablet computer cart for the school. He coordinates a group of teachers working towards a more inquiry-based approach while meaningfully integrating these new digital tools. Stipp’s students use electronic tablets to create videos that allow them to self-assess and discuss their work with others. His co-op students use blogs to stimulate peer discussion, and classroom students are encouraged to submit final projects in a variety of formats.

â'¢ He ensures his students are engaged citizens through raising funds for UNICEF, Oxfam and World Visionplanting trees, volunteering in senior homes, organizing a Christmas meal for homeless people andÂ leading school tours for parents.

One student says: “Mr. Stipp taught us about real issues and always made learning relevant to our lives by connecting us to the global community through lessons, fundraisers, and life stories. He made us want to come to school, want to learn, and want to strive for better. Students admire him, are inspired by him, and reach new limits because of him.”

And a colleague says: “I was always impressed by the number of students, both past and present, that continually populate his classroom at lunch and after school. It is on this foundation of genuine trust that Stefan has built his practice and is at the core of what teaching is about -Â the developing of understanding to improve the way that we relate to each other.”