Bryce Honsinger awarded Prime Minister’s Award

October 6, 2023 – Long-time DSBN educator Bryce Honsinger has been recognized for his commitment to students and technological innovation. On October 5 – coinciding with World Teachers’ Day – it was announced that the St. Davids Public School teacher was among the nine Ontario recipients of the 2023 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence – Certificate of Achievement. 

Since 1994, the Awards have recognized exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines. Over 1,800 teachers have been honoured to date. Teaching Excellence Award recipients are honoured for their remarkable achievements in education and for their commitment to preparing youth for a digital and innovation-based economy. 

For those who know or work alongside him, the honour does not come as a surprise. Honsinger has a long-running and well-earned reputation for going above and beyond for his students. In 2010, the then Grade 5/6 teacher was the recipient of the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence. At the time, Applewood Public School principal Sue Lawrence shared that Honsinger’s teaching style is what sets him apart, explaining that it “involves tying his family history and other real-world experiences to what is being taught.” Thirteen years later, it is clear that Honsinger has not lost his touch.

His ability to break down complex lessons and weave in real-life examples helps students view the curriculum in a whole new – and highly relevant – light. Honsinger ensures lessons comes to life in such a way that all students leave impacted and informed. “He is able to get the most out of every student to the point where it is safe to say they leave his class being the best version of themselves. These kinds of lessons happen every day in his class,” said Carl Glauser, Principal of St. Davids Public School.

“As a homeroom teacher, he creates a positive learning environment whereby all the students feel like they belong. I absolutely love going into his class as the dialogue and conversations are so rich among the students that you almost feel like you are in a university-level class,” said Glauser. 

DSBN Director Warren Hoshizaki was on-hand to congratulate Honsinger along with St. Davids students and staff who had several celebrations planned, including a sign outside the school congratulating him, a trophy, video messages from his nominee and family, a hallway lined with students holding signs and balloons, a parade through the school and even his favourite doughnut. Mr. Honsinger was also invited into the school’s gymnasium where the celebrations continued. 

“When I reflect on the virtues of working with teachers, it is teachers like Bryce Honsinger who immediately come to mind. He infuses his teachings with history, finding innovative ways to share his passion with students, thereby creating engaging and relevant lessons. He exemplifies our shared vision and reminds us all about the necessary, valuable and transformative power of education,” said Hoshizaki.

Honsinger’s impact extends beyond the classroom. He is a role model to students and staff alike. “Bryce is a well-respected, informal leader in the school. When he speaks up at staff meetings, all staff listen as he has valuable information to share. Additionally, there are many times when teachers turn to Bryce for advice on activities they are doing in their classrooms,” said Glauser. 

Over the span of his teaching career with the DSBN, Honsinger has been involved in a number of initiatives and events to support student learning. For the last 13 years, he has run a Junior and Intermediate Robotics Club. He has coordinated and organized the DSBN Robotics Competition, taking teams of students to the DSBN Robotics Finals. Honsinger is also heavily involved in the DSBN Heritage Fair and hosts a Math Club in the mornings whereby students eventually compete in Waterloo Math competitions. He is also very involved outside of school as a Scout Leader. 

"I am overwhelmed by how things have gone at the school, and I am extremely honoured to receive the award,” said Bryce Honsinger. “It is an honour to be nominated by Amanda Adam, a parent in our school community. I am so thankful that she felt my work at St. Davids was worthy of recognition. I was overwhelmed to see the students and my colleagues line the halls and cheer for me. They were so happy for me!" 

 

For more information:

Milica Petkovic, Acting Senior Manager of Communications and Public Relations
District School Board of Niagara
Cell: 289-219-4302 | Email: milica.petkovic@dsbn.org


Quick Facts:

• Bryce Honsinger, a teacher at St. Davids Public School, was among the nine Ontario recipients of the 2023 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
• The Certificate of Achievement announced on October 5, 2023, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day
• The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence have recognized exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines since 1994 with over 1,800 teachers honoured to date
• Honsinger has a long-running and well-earned reputation for going above and beyond for his students
• Thirteen years ago, Honsinger was the recipient of the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence
• DSBN Director Warren Hoshizaki was on-hand to congratulate Honsinger on October 5, 2023 along with St. Davids students and staff who had several celebrations planned
• Honsinger has been involved in a number of initiatives and events to support student learning