When Teachers Lead, Students Succeed: McDowell Foundation Campaign Supports Teacher-Led Research

By: Nicole Tainsh, McDowell Foundation

Research into effective teaching strategies is crucial for enhancing teaching and learning in Saskatchewan and there is no one better to conduct that research than the teachers who plan, test, observe, and reflect on strategies and professional practice every day in their classrooms.

A commitment to teacher-led research is why the McDowell Foundation has launched its When Teachers Lead, Students Succeed campaign, a fundraising initiative designed to provide teachers with opportunities and resources to formalize their research and share their findings with others. The campaign’s goal is to increase donations, the Foundation’s roster of supporters, and awareness among teachers, local associations, school divisions and the general public.

“The importance of this campaign cannot be overstated – it serves as a vital platform to advance educational practices and ensure that our teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to shape the future,” says Diana Jemieff Hayes, president of the McDowell Foundation Board of Directors.

“The work supported by the McDowell Foundation enriches students’ classroom experiences and uplifts the entire educational community by providing a platform for professional inquiry and collaboration. By investing in educational research and innovation, we are investing in the success of future generations. This campaign is a testament to educators’ dedication and their enduring impact on society.”

For Mary Barrow, an intensive supports development coordinator with Regina Public Schools, receiving a McDowell grant provided the opportunity to examine methods of addressing increased requests for additional and intensive supports among the division’s youngest learners post-COVID-19.

“We wanted to examine if and how applying one strategy/support universally in a classroom could support students, teachers and adults working in classrooms without intensifying the workload of anyone. It is wonderful to report that using visual supports as a Tier 1 intervention was supportive of all these groups,” Barrow says.

This research has helped inform teacher practice and improved student engagement, understanding and achievement. One teacher who participated in Barrow’s project notes, “This project has enhanced my daily routines tremendously. I use so many of the little tips and tricks we learned and it’s a game-changer!”

Barrow’s research affirmed her belief in the value of using visual supports in all classrooms.

“It is validating to see that the strategy of using visual supports, which has been evidence-informed for particular populations of learners, indeed has benefits for all learners and for their teachers.”

Teacher-led research supports Saskatchewan educators in fostering a collaborative culture, creating dynamic, timely and evidence-based resources and developing teaching techniques that encourage continuous growth and improvement, all things that benefit both teachers and students. It’s clear that when teachers lead, students succeed.

Jessica Madiratta’s McDowell-funded research into culturally responsive teaching resulted in the development of a strong community of practice among six Saskatchewan educators.

“My project used participatory action research; that means I was as much a part of the project as my participants were,” says Madiratta, a teacher with Regina Public Schools. “I spent the 2023-24 school year learning about culturally responsive teaching alongside my participants and trying these teaching approaches with the classrooms that I was working with … I am glad to have these six folks to reach out to for support if I need it.

“It has transformed my outlook on teacher professional development because I see the power of educators learning from other educators – we don’t always have to seek out experts because there is so much to learn from the lived experiences of other educators in your province.”

The McDowell Foundation is the only organization of its kind in Canada providing direct support to teacher-led research. Since 1991 it has funded more than 300 projects totaling more than $2 million in grants. The research it supports is timely, relevant to the Saskatchewan context, and has benefitted hundreds of teachers and countless students and classrooms.

The work of the McDowell Foundation is only possible thanks to the many donors who see value in teacher-led research. By contributing to the When Teachers Lead, Students Succeed campaign, you’re helping to shape the future of public education for generations to come. Teachers can contribute through payroll deduction by completing the form available on the Foundation’s website and submitting it to their school division’s payroll office.

To learn more about the Foundation and how to provide support through ongoing, one-time or legacy donations visit www.mcdowellfoundation.ca.

From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2025