Joan Kilban, a fifth-grade teacher in Hingham, got a special surprise when she joined a Zoom conference hosted by the National Hockey League.
A teacher of 24 years at the Plymouth River Elementary School, she found out that she had won the NHL’s Most Valuable Teacher Award.
Kilban says the award is a reflection of her students.
“It’s through their hard work, their dedication, and their blood, sweat, and tears that I am just a mere token recipient of this award,” said Kilban. “It truly is an award for all of them and all of their hard work. They make me so proud every minute of every day.”
She was nominated for the award as part of the NHL/NHLPA’s Future Goals program, which uses hockey to give real-life lessons to kids. Kilban was one of three finalists from an original field of 36 teachers from North America.
SAP will donate $30,000 in technology upgrades to her school district.
“The entire process has just been a completely surreal ‘pinch me’ moment. I’ve had so much support from the community in which I live and the community in which I teach,” said Kilban. “Most importantly, I’ve heard from so many former students and parents. Just to hear what they’re doing now, having those well-wishes, and having them tell me that I played even a tiny part in their success as a now-thriving adult has been the very best thing about this entire process.”
Kilban will be honored in-person when the NHL Awards are held.
