Faculty of Education Education News Spring / Summer 2013 Page 7 as director of the Saskatchewan Instructional Development and Research Unit .
Throughout his career , James has advocated on behalf of , and developed courses , resources , and research projects , on inclusive education . He piloted the University of Regina ’ s first graduate course on teaching and learning in higher education . He also initiated an extensive undergraduate program renewal process in the Faculty of Education , University of Regina in 2007 , which shifts the program ’ s emphasis from the technical aspects of teaching to “ inclusionary , antiracist , and social justice perspectives , which emphasize human relations , collaboration , problem-solving and the professional aspects of teaching .”
James continues to teach both graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Regina including a course on schooling and sexual identities , the first such education course in Canada .
James has written and co-written numerous publications , research reports , presentations , and book reviews on a variety of topics ranging from the implications of normative standardized assessment to faculty integrity . The primary focus of his writing and study has been on inclusive education . To name but a few : in 2002 , he collaborated with Cheryl Erlandson on the Saskatchewan Teachers ’ Federation publication Safe Schools : Breaking the Silence on Sexual Difference . He was co-editor of and contributor to the anthology , I Could Not Speak My Heart : Education and Social Justice for Gay and Lesbian Youth ( 2004 ). James was the recipient of McDowell Foundation funding for a research project “ Que ( e ) rying Inclusive Practice : Exploring and Challenging Homophobia in Curricula and Schools ” ( 2005 , Nov ., co-authored with Marilyn Totten and Scott Thompson ). This research explored how sexual identities were constructed and understood in a classroom setting , and within the curriculum ; how more inclusive curricula and classrooms could be envisioned ; and investigated how curriculum reform could help to eliminate homophobia , heterosexism , and heteronormativity . Though the project did not reach any definitive conclusions , the research , in James ’ own words , “ demonstrated that a formerly taboo subject can be successfully broached , that myths and stereotypes can be challenged and that homophobia is better combated by education than by sanctions .”
James has provided leadership to the teachers of Saskatchewan through his membership on the Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit Management Advisory Board , in his involvement with the Saskatchewan Straight and Gay Alliance special subject council , and his offering of a summer short course entitled The Social Justice Agenda in Today ’ s Schools .
Also a leader in his community , James is a board member and the financial officer of Camp fYrefly , a
Faculty of Education supported , community-based residential summer camp for sexual and gender minority youth , and a board member of the Regina Rainbow Wellness Resource Centre . He has served on the board of directors of the Globe Theatre and volunteers as a deepwater aqua-fitness instructor at the YMCA .
James is very proud of his children , Anna and Riis , and also his grandson who has enrolled in justice studies at the University of Regina this fall . He is close to his former partner , Sharon and is very happy with his partner , Michael .
In James ’ own words , “ Education , broadly , is about exploring what it means to be human and then applying that understanding to a particular endeavour .”
The STF thanked James for championing the rights of all students to experience an education that respects their individuality and dignity in an inclusive manner , and his efforts to ensure that education remains a human endeavour . On behalf of the teachers of Saskatchewan , the STF was pleased to honour James as the 2013 recipient of the Arbos for Distinguished Support of Education and the Teaching Profession .
Dr . James McNinch with members of the Education Students ’ Society Executive