About

> About McDowell

Who better to research education in Saskatchewan than those who work in it every single day? Teacher-led research is vital to advancing education in Saskatchewan. 

BENEFITS:

  1. Allows teachers to explore topics and/or issues that are relevant to their classrooms, subject areas, and/or local contexts, which contributes to evidence-based decisions.
  2. Enhances teacher practice, supports student learning, and improves educational outcomes. 
  3. Encourages collaboration and cooperation between teachers, school staff, students, and communities, leading to stronger relationships and an exchange of ideas.
  4. Contributes to the broader body of educational research and can help inform policy and practices at all levels. 

The Mission of the McDowell Foundation is enriching teaching and learning by supporting professionally-led educational research.

The mandate of the McDowell Foundation is to contribute to educational research that supports and enhances student learning, to support the involvement of classroom teachers in research, to encourage and support individuals/organizations to identify and pursue research in innovative ways, and to ensure that resources are available to continue to support research, inquiry, and the sharing of information.

> Our History
Photograph of Dr. Stirling McDowell outside the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation building in Saskatoon.

Dr. Stirling McDowell

The Dr. Stirling McDowell Foundation for Research Into Teaching is an independent registered charitable organization established by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation in 1991.

We are named in honour of Dr. Stirling McDowell, whose visionary work, internationally recognized research and ability to inspire cooperation and creativity in education was only exceeded by his unwavering pride and passion for student learning and the teaching profession.

The McDowell Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, the majority who are teachers. The Board of Directors is supported by staff, a Project Review Committee, and Fundraising Committee. 

The operation of the McDowell Foundation is carried out with the support of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. Core staff services are provided by individuals who work out of the STF office in Saskatoon. 

> Our Team

Board of Directors:

Diana Jemieff Hayes (President)
Callie Lewry (Vice-President)
Alexander Tawpisim
Amaya Ander
Ashley Squires
Carla Lobry
Dean Lucyk (Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan)
Denise Heppner
Kelley Ehman (League of Educational Administrators, Directors, and Superintendents)
Lois Keller
Ted Zurakowski (Senior Administrative Staff, STF).

Staff:

Nicole Tainsh, Manager – Book a meeting with Nicole
Debbie Brown, Administrative Assistant


Project Review Committee:

Mary Barrow (Teacher Representative)
Seleste Eftoda (Teacher Representative)
Terry Wotherspoon (University of Saskatchewan)
Troy Parenteau (Teacher Representative)
Twyla Salm (University of Regina)