Elmwood teacher wins national award

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This article was published 09/10/2020 (1853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A local teacher has been recognized with a national award of excellence.

Jenna Forslund, who teaches math, science, and environmental education at Elmwood High School, was one of two Winnipeg teachers to receive a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM.

 “I’m honoured to receive it, but I’m accepting this award for so many other people,” said Forslund, who uses project-based learning with her students from Grade 7 through 12. “I have an amazing network of colleagues and a very supportive administration here at Elmwood High, so I’m quite honoured to receive this on behalf of all those people who make what I do outside of the classroom possible.”

According to an official release, the award recognizes teachers “who keep students engaged in STEM learning  and who help develop the culture of innovation that Canada needs today, and in the future.”

Throughout her courses, Forslund incorporates themes of sustainability wherever possible.

“When I think of projects to do, I focus them around sustainable development goals set out by UN and figure out ways to weave in the curriculum,” Forslund, who also coaches basketball and curling, explained.

Last year, Forslund’s students built a 3D model of a city using accessible coding platforms like Minecraft. The goal was to create sustainable city.

“Having students who are well informed is very important,” Forslund believes. “These kids will be the ones taking care of the planet someday. It’s important that they make the right decisions.”

In 2017, Forslund took part in the Schools on Board program, where she accompanied students and other teachers from across the country aboard the CCGS Amundsen Arctic research ship. During the ship’s voyage along the Northwest Passage, Forslund saw firsthand the effects of climate change.

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“That put things into perspectives,” she said. “I realized I need to change my actions and hopefully influence others.”

Along with her teaching and coaching duties, Forslund also acts as a mentor for students, helping facilitate student led projects around sustainability. Elmwood High School is a regular participant in the EnviroThon competition, and has won a number of awards for sustainability initiatives spearheaded by students.

“I’m only able to do because of this amazing network that I have,” Forslund said.

Like teachers across the province, Forslund has had to adapt her teaching plan in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless, she hopes to continue to inspire students and incorporate sustainability in her lesson plan at every opportunity.

“These are unprecedented times,” she said. “I also want to take an opportunity to recognize every single teacher who is working right now, to acknowledge that teachers are doing so much right now.”

Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist

Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112

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