Debbie pushor accepts the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students’ Association Advising Excellence Award

Debbie Pushor recently had the privilege and honour of accepting the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students’ Association Advising Excellence Award. Debbie takes immense pleasure and pride in her work as a mentor to each of her students, grads and undergrads alike. She does not draw a distinction between her identities as a mother, educator, or companion as she feels each of her identities is intimately linked. She was nominated for this award by Emma Chen, Ph.D student.

Emma has worked with Debbie on graduate research committees for students, particularly in the areas of Educational Administration and Curriculum Leadership at Masters and Doctoral levels over the past 17 years.

Here are some of the things Emma had to say about Debbie in her nomination letter.

A Knowledgable Mentor

“The nominee possesses rich knowledge in the field, engaging in narrative inquiries into parent engagement and leadership, a curriculum of parents, and parent knowledge. I feel privileged to have been invited into her research team and offered the guidance to contribute to the research community of parent knowledge.”

An Empowering Role Model

“I am grateful for having the nominee as a significantly empowering role model. Working alongside her, I see the power of being an inspiring female scholar who pursues excellence in the academic world. The nominee’s excellence is rooted in her deep belief in the real-world value of her research, which is bringing the long-marginalized group – parents, families and communities – to the forefront in education. The nominee refers to her work in the field of parent engagement as a “gentle revolution” from which she aims to make tangible change to schools, passionately, fiercely, but always with love and respect for educators and parents. She shows, rather than tells, such love and respect through utter dedication and commitment in teaching and researching.”

An Unconditional Supporter

“The nominee supports her students in every way possible. Being an immigrant, I worked with my family to transition to Canadian life and culture while completing my MEd and pursuing my PhD. The nominee shows great understanding for my lack of support system. She has stood by my side in every scholarship, bursary and award application, generously offering her time with reference letters, application advice, and moral support. Keeping my financial needs in mind, the nominee also actively connected me with opportunities in Teaching Assistantship and Research Assistantship. In the fall term of 2020, she diligently endorsed me – a first year PhD student – for a Sessional Lecturer opportunity. It was her trust in my ability that brought out my confidence, helped connect my past teaching experiences with the course design and delivery, and lead to my nomination and recognition of a Teaching Excellence Award.”