Former Faculty of Education Dean Receives University of Regina Distinguished Service Award

Former Faculty of Education Dean, Dr. Michael Tymchak

Born in Saskatchewan, Dr. Michael Tymchak received a BA magna cum laude and High Honors in History from the University of Saskatchewan in 1964 and a Doctor of Philosophy [Ethics] from the University of Manchester in England in 1974.

Dr. Tymchak started his career at the University of Regina in 1969 as an instructor in the Philosophy Department. In 1984, he moved to the Faculty of Education to teach. Several years later, Dr. Tymchak served as the Dean of the Faculty of Education (1992 – 2000) and Acting Dean (2006 – 2008). However, his impact at the University of Regina was not limited to education students. He helped found the University’s first Teaching Development Centre in 1996 and served as the Director of the Saskatchewan Instructional Development and Research Unit (SIDRU). Dr. Tymchak also served as a research consultant for the Transdisciplinary Project that led to the development of interdisciplinary initiatives at the University of Regina.

Outside the University of Regina, Dr. Tymchak has been involved in a variety of educational endeavors throughout the province for over 35 years. He wrote the Internship and Field Experiences Report for the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation in 1988, and was the Chair of the Working Group, studying the issue of School Councils for the Saskatchewan School Trustees Association in 1997. Dr. Tymchak was also instrumental in the formation of the Northern Teacher Education Program [NORTEP], the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program [SUNTEP], and most recently the Nunavut Teacher Education Program in 2007.

One of Dr. Tymchak’s most notable achievements was his appointment by the Minister of Education in 1999 to chair the SchoolPlus Task Force and Public Dialogue on the Role of the School. Following extensive consultations across the province with all the educational partners, Dr. Tymchak produced the Task Force’s final report in 2001. This report helped craft the policy direction of provincial government concerning education, which is still in force today. The policy is based on the concept of schools as centres of learning, support and community for the children and families they serve.

For his outstanding work in the field of education, Dr. Tymchak was awarded a Canada 125 medal in 1992, a Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005, and the 2008 Arbos Award from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation for his support of and contributions to the profession of teaching.

Reprinted from http://www.uregina.ca/external/communications/feature-stories/current/fs-12102013-1.html