Souris schoolteacher, Jonathan Filewich, has seen a number of unique and wonderful challenges in his career as an NHL hockey player and now teacher of the Grade 5/6 class in Souris School, however this month he has a new challenge, but one he can’t do alone.

Filewich had been nominated months ago for the Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher program which could land his school division, Southwest Horizon, $10,000 to support school technology.

The Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher program is a joint effort of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), and promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for youth.

A former NHL player, he attended BU following his hockey career, and has been teaching for some 6 years, continuing his education at BU.  He has already completed Bachelor degrees in Physical Education Studies and Education at BU, as well as a Master of Education in Administration and Leadership. He is now pursuing a second M.Ed. in Curriculum and Pedagogy (the relationship between learning techniques and culture).

Filewich grew up in Kelowna, BC and has played for numerous teams, the most notable being with the Pittsburg Penguins.  He has also played with teams in Croatia and Austria.  Returning to Canada brought him to Brandon University to pursue his Education Degree.

“It was one of those things where I was immediately drawn to education,” shares Filewich.  “I taught for 2 years at Brandon School Division at Earl Oxford and was fortunate to live and teach at Souris Grade 5 and 6 for those 4 years.  So, it’s been wonderful!”

He explains how his nomination came to be, and the irony in one of the questions during his interview with Future Goals representative.  He represents the Winnipeg Jets in the competition.

Filewich is one of 20 teachers from across North America in the running for the $10,000 prize for this month of March.

Throughout the month, supporters can vote each day for a Most Valuable Teacher nominee, with one finalist chosen to win the technology grant for their school division.

Voting took place in January and February for the Most Valuable Teacher, with the March voting in process now until the end of the month.  Top vote for March wins $10,000 for their school division.  Another vote will take place in May for the Grand Prize of $20,000 again, for their school division’s technology programs.

Votes can be cast till the end of March at www.NHL.com/MVT “and anybody can vote,” explains Filewich.  “You don’t even have to sign up for anything like a newsletter.  You just need to go to the website, and you’ll see a list of names and pictures, and you’ll see my goofy picture, Jonathan Filewich Souris School, and you click on that and you’re done.  The more votes we get the better it is!”

“I am honoured to be one of the finalists chosen for this recognition,” Filewich says. “I’m dedicated to teaching applications for STEM because I know that it not only impacts how healthy and productive students are during this time, but also their well-being and success far beyond the K-12 years.”

This passionate middle-years teacher says it was the ‘weirdest thing’ to be nominated but clearly he has a strong following from his school community, and community from around the world, to maybe land that 10 Grand!  

Cast your vote at:

https://www.nhl.com/community/future-goals-teacher-of-the-month-march-2021