Countless students have visited him for AP prep, last-minute reviews before a test or extra understanding of a history topic. He is also a savior for many teachers when they need to teach their class a topic, but want a good video to explain it. Steven Heimler, known to most as Heimler’s History, has been saving WCHS students for years with his AP US History, AP World History, AP European History, AP Macroeconomics and AP Government review videos on YouTube.
“Almost every night before I have an AP World test the next day, I type in ‘Heimler’s History Unit X review’ and click enter,” WCHS junior Heim Fan said. “He has total unit review videos around 20 minutes long each or several short review videos on each topic that really help recall what I’ve learned in the unit.”
Through his humor and incredible effects, Heimler does an outstanding job of compressing a month’s worth of lessons into a small video online. With over 10 years of experience teaching AP History and thousands of AP test essays from various history classes, teachers at WCHS, including WCHS AP US History teacher Steven McHeimler, know they can rely on Heimler for their students.
“When there is a topic I need to teach my students, such as Reconstruction, I can just plug in one of his eight-minute-long videos into my slides, play it for my class, and relax,” McHeimler said. “His ability to simplify complex concepts and make learning accessible and engaging is truly admirable, and I am extremely grateful to have him as a colleague. He has revolutionized how we teach and he is truly a gift to Churchill.”
With his motto being “helping students build the confidence and skills they need to get an A in their class and a five on their AP exam,” students know he means business. Heimler even has his own website, where students and teachers can buy review guides, extra videos, a cram course, notes and practice for the AP history classes he has taught.
“I usually don’t buy things advertised online, much less subscriptions or packets to study for the AP exam,” Fan said. “But when it came to Heimler’s resources, I just couldn’t resist. His packets and review guides have been super helpful because they really challenge my brain to recall all of what I’ve learned like I’m going to have to do on the actual exam.”
After graduating from the Asbury Theological Seminary with a master’s in Divinity in 2008, Heimler went on to teach at a high school in Georgia. Joining major internet platforms in 2017, his first-ever YouTube video, DBQ tips, soon turned into AP review tips, AP reviews and then a whole business.
“I am so grateful Heimler decided to expand his channel to fit most students across the country,” McHeimler said. “His videos have become an essential resource in my classroom, inspiring both my students and even me to dive deeper and think critically about history. As a nerd myself, when I listen to Heimler, I feel out-nerded. His videos are pure gold.”
While his humor is a little old and immature to high school students, it breaks up the pounds of history that come pouring out of Heimler’s mouth. Most lectures are overwhelming, but Heimlers’ ability to efficiently go over information helps students retain information in their minds for their tests like no other.
“If I could say one thing to Heimler, it would be thank you for saving me for every APUSH, World, and Government test throughout my entire high school career,” Fan said. “His videos always make me laugh a few times and explain things that my teachers always can’t, making things clear as day. His videos will always be considered a savior resource for students everywhere.”
