Award: Distinguished Recent Contributions in Social Work Education Award
Dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Chair in Child and Family | University of Toronto
The Distinguished Recent Contributions to Social Work Education Award is presented to Dr. Faye Mishna, dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Chair in Child and Family at the University of Toronto. Professor Mishna is internationally renowned for her cutting-edge research and scholarship on bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber counseling—far ahead of her time in making cyberbullying and cyber counseling a significant focus of her research, curriculum development, and leadership agenda. Her work has had a profound impact on the lives of children, adolescents, families, educators, and all who confront cyberbullying. Professor Mishna has authored two books, Bullying in Canada and Bullying: A Guide to Research, Intervention, and Prevention; 76 refereed journal articles; 16 book chapters; 93 peer-reviewed academic presentations; and more than 100 invited presentations to the Toronto Police Board, the U.S. Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, and the Canadian Mental Health Project.
As an exemplary academic leader, she has emphasized research-informed practice and practice-informed research, resulting in a strengthened research infrastructure at her institution and a high success rate in obtaining academic grants. She supported her faculty’s innovative research in simulation as an empirically-based pilot project to support the development of a vibrant and internationally recognized simulation-based educational program for social work education. Professor Mishna worked closely with Aboriginal leaders to develop the new MSW specialization Indigenous trauma and resiliency, which is part of a unique community-based intervention program that addresses the effects of current, cumulative, generational, and cultural trauma. She also developed three on-site MSW courses taught in the community: social work practice with Aboriginal peoples, advanced family, and pediatric health care.
As a leading social work educator and researcher with innovative contributions to social work education, Professor Mishna is a fitting choice for this prestigious award.