Teacher Appreciation Week: Nathan Hellwig

There are many reasons why students enjoy and appreciate Nathan Hellwig’s classes. He has always had a love of learning anything and everything about the Civil War and all areas of American History. He shares this love of history with his students in many ways, from going on roadtrips to attend historical events in the south, to taking kids outside and teaching them how to drill like soldiers during his Civil War classes. He finds creative and innovative ways brings the past alive in his classroom.

He began his teaching at South East Junior High School in 2000. He worked there, teaching any class that needed a teacher, including electives such as theatre workshop. Eventually he became aware of a position at City High. They were looking for a new American Studies teacher. That was Mr. Hellwig’s dream job. Not too long later, Mr. Hellwig was hired. There was only one problem with the position, though, there was no Civil War unit. He decided to pitch the idea of making a new elective to just teach kids as much possible about the Civil War in three months. His love of history makes class all the much better, and makes learning fun.

Not only is he a great teacher, but he is also a great father. I remember numerous family vacations, spent in 90 degree weather, walking around battlefields in the South. When I was a child, I would tell people that my dad fought in the Civil War. I didn’t quite have a grasp what a “reenactor” was yet. Many summers of mine have been spent watching documentaries about various historical events. Those memories are some that I will cherish forever. I am so lucky to have been able to experience his fathering firsthand, because although he may not think he is the perfect dad, that is what makes him so.

Dad, I love you.