For the past 13 years, nine at Willis, U.S. history teacher Whitney Van Cleave has changed the lives of hundreds of students through educating. This year, she was nominated for Humanities Texas’ Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award.
Only 12 teachers are selected each year for the award and even being nominated is a huge honor.
“A former student of mine, Dylan Schultz, nominated me,” Van Cleave said. “I was not expecting that, and to be nominated by her is the highest compliment.”
Humanities teaching covers a variety of subjects in schools.
“As a humanities teacher, your role is to teach and educate your students or audience about humankind in some shape, form or fashion,” Van Cleave said. “So for me, I teach history, and my job is to tell the story of where we’ve come from, what we did to get past that and how we got to where we are right now so we can have informed decisions for the future.”
Van Cleave was drawn to history specifically because of the story and the connection it gives.
“It’s just one big long story,” Van Cleave said. “I’ve always enjoyed reading as a kid, I’ve always enjoyed watching movies, and history is like that. It is the story of humankind and even though we have different cultures, and different religions, and backgrounds and beliefs, at our core human beings are all the same and we want a connection of some kind, and that’s what history is.”
Van Cleave’s passion for teaching is heavily influenced by her love of connecting with people.
“I like to help people,” Van Cleave said. “I may not be super extroverted, but it’s really rewarding to see people grow. Whether they end up liking history after my class or a topic, that’s a bonus but really, It’s just seeing people change and grow to become who they’re going to be, and helping people get ready to be a young adult is really rewarding to me. That’s why I like to teach, I’m helping people invest in their own future.”
The nomination might’ve come as a surprise to Van Cleave, but many of her students agree that while educating, she fosters a kind and loving environment that gives them the encouragement they need.
“Mrs. Van Clave is one of the kindest people I know,” junior Evelyn Companik said. “Walking into her class is like a breath of relief every day. She is definitely a life shaper, and someone I will always remember as a great teacher.”
Students hold a unanimous opinion that she continuously brightens people’s days.
“Mrs. Van Cleave is so dedicated to her work and always has such a positive attitude,” junior Ian Sheridan said. “ I genuinely believe that the world would be a better place if more people were as positive as she is.”
Being a good teacher takes time and practice, but Van Cleave has some tips.
“Find what you are interested in, and then just share it with people,” Van Cleave said. “Kids need teachers that like what they’re doing. Younger teachers are very energetic and they’re motivated, and if you can stay latched onto that, it’ll be easier for you to become a 10-plus-year teacher. It will also be a huge benefit to the kids and lives that you touch over the years because they need somebody who cares about what they’re doing, but also cares about them as people.”
Van Cleave’s unconditional care for her students is reflected by her students’ love for her.
“She really deserves an award,” junior Brianna Cianceruso said. “ Literally, she is the sweetest kindest teacher ever. You can tell she cares when she lectures to us. She has so much concern for her students and their success.”
