Congratulations Dr Paul Kiem
HTANSW proudly congratulates Dr Paul Kiem on being awarded the Renée Erdos Award at our State Conference. The award was established in 2009 to acknowledge achievement or contribution to school-based History and was the original brain-child of Paul Kiem's - so it is particularly fitting that he is the recipient in 2026.
Dr Kiem has made a profound and sustained contribution to History education in NSW and across Australia, spanning more than three decades of teaching, scholarship, editorial leadership and professional advocacy.
Since joining the HTANSW executive in 1995, Paul Kiem has served in various capacities, including President from 2003 to 2005, managing editor of HTANSW's Teaching History journal and association publisher, producing texts such as the HTA Modern History Study Guide and the Extension History Resource Book. He was a tireless contributor to the HSC Study Day program (1996 to 2019) and in 2001 he established the HTANSW Extension History Essay Prize. He was also the Association's Professional Officer from 2009 to 2020.
His accolades include the following distinguished awards:
- NSW Premier’s Westfield Modern History Scholarship in 2002
- NSW Professional Teachers’ Council Outstanding Professional Service Award in 2008
- HTAV Award for Excellence – Contribution to the Teaching and Learning of History in 2013
- NSW Professional Teachers’ Council Association Service Award in 2019
- Institute for the Study of French Australian Relations Ivan Barko Award in 2024
Paul’s influence extended well beyond NSW. He served as President of the History Teachers’ Association of Australia from 2007 to 2012, created the HTAA Australian History Competition in 2011, and was Project Manager and Editor of the HTAA’s ‘AC History Units’ website in 2012 - a key national resource supporting the implementation of the Australian Curriculum. His long service to History assessment included roles as Marker and Senior Marker for HSC Modern History (1988–2009) and as Chief Examiner for HSC Modern History from 2003 to 2006.
Congratulations Dr Paul Kiem.