After 30 years as a teacher and administrator, Hetty van Gurp founded Peaceful Schools International, an internationally recognized charitable organization. In addition to her work in education, Hetty has also served as a member of the Canadian federal Human Rights Tribunal. In 2006 Hetty was named as a Canadian hero by TIME magazine and Today's Parent magazine. Reader's Digest also recognized Hetty as a Canadian hero in 2007. In 2005, a Doctorate of Civil Law was conferred on Hetty by Saint Mary's University. Hetty is the author of four books: Peace in the Classroom; Peaceful Schools: Models