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2013 Arbos Award Winner
Don Hall Photography , U of R
Reprinted with permission from Saskatchewan Teachers ’ Federation
Champion on behalf of inclusive education and the importance of both student and teacher well-being and sense of belonging in schools and communities , Dr . James McNinch is fearless in his efforts to address intolerance and sensitive social justice issues that affect Saskatchewan ’ s classrooms and communities . His lived experiences , extensive research , and teachings on sexual and gender identities and minority issues demonstrate his belief that “ understanding that sexuality and gender are not fixed or static or absolute categories is the beginning of a way to embrace and celebrate difference and to understand we are all enhanced by such differences and we are all diminished by intolerance ,” and that intolerance , and especially homophobia , is “ better combated by education than sanctions .”
Dr . James McNinch
For his commitment and dedication to inclusive education , the STF was pleased to award James the 2013 Arbos for Distinguished Support of Education and the Teaching Profession .
Born in Lloydminster to a farm boy turned navigator in World War II and his Scottish war bride , James attended public schools in Manitoba , Alberta and British Columbia . He received a Bachelor of Arts ( honours ) first class from Simon Fraser University in English and history ( 1970 ). As a Commonwealth scholar , James completed a PhD in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Essex , England in 1975 . An after degree diploma in secondary education from the University of Alberta ( 1975 ) and permanent certification in 1976 rounded out James ’ formal education .
James began his 38-year career in education as a high school English teacher in Lac La Biche , Alberta ( 1975-80 ). He then served as an instructor and administrator of adult basic education and academic preparation courses in Lac La Biche , on reserves and Métis settlements for the Alberta Vocational College . In 1987 , James ’ career path led him to Saskatoon where he served as the director of the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program of the Gabriel Dumont Institute ( 1987-93 ) and director of programming for the Gabriel Dumont Institute ( 1993 ). His appointment as director of the University of Regina ’ s first Centre for Teaching and Learning in 1996 involved a mandate to teach university teachers how to teach . Since 2005 , James has served as dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina and
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