Sacred Heart High School Educator Named CLAES Nobel Educator of Distinction
Mrs. Debbie Heitman was recently selected as a CLAES Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Educators of Distinction are outstanding role models and exemplary practitioners who have made a lasting difference in a student’s life by encouraging them to strive for excellence, not just in their academic pursuits, but in all their endeavors. Educators of Distinction are also eligible to compete for NSHSS’ Educator of the Year award.
Heitman was nominated by Sacred Heart senior Jiejun Chen. Chen is a member of NSHSS, and says that “Mrs. Heitman loves all her students. She voluntarily stays after school almost everyday to answer any questions from students. She has a lot of patience; she is never irritable when I ask the same question over and over again. She is a skillful teacher, who can make a confusing novel interesting and easy to understand.”
Debbie Heitman graduated from the University of North Dakota and started her teaching career at Sacred Heart in 2000. Mrs. Heitman’s dedication to Sacred Heart is cemented through her faith in Jesus Christ and the passion she has from watching her students grow in their faith. All students in grades 9-12 hold Mrs. Heitman in very high regard. Some of the staples in Mrs. Heitman’s curriculum include the Freshman (demonstration speeches), the Sophomores (authoring and illustrating children’s books), the Juniors (reciting the Gettysburg address or singing Native American poetry), and Seniors (holding mock interviews, producing Beowulf films, and standing before the school community in the Senior Debate). These projects give students opportunities to shine and invest in learning as they work collaboratively, creatively, and actively.
Thank you to Mrs. Heitman for your dedication to Sacred Heart and congratulations on a well earned distinction.
