JSGS Faculty receives the USask Provost’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching
Dr. Martin Boucher (PhD) has been named as the inaugural recipient of the 2024 USask Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching, celebrating excellence in graduate-level teaching across the University of Saskatchewan.
By Charvee Sharma‘Encouraging, phenomenal, intellectually stimulating, supportive’ – these are just a few of the accolades frequently mentioned in the nomination letter supporting Boucher, who is known for his boundless energy and infectious laugh.
Through a variety of teaching approaches, including video lessons, interviews with experts, simulation activities, online discussion boards, and conversation techniques, Boucher displays an incredible ability to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
One of his former students commended Boucher for integrating theory with practice. “His class is infused with practice sessions, fieldwork, such as visits to the Western Development Museum and Saskatoon Police to learn from real-world public policy practitioners,” they wrote.
Many international students appreciate Boucher’s warm, welcoming demeanor, and his approachability when seeking guidance on coursework. “Recognizing that many of my students juggle family and professional commitments, I ensure that the course content is accessible and engaging by utilizing the latest educational technologies and pedagogical research,” Boucher said.
“Martin employs a wide range of facilitation skills that foster learning and encourage the sharing of ideas in the classroom,” states another evaluation. “He also helps build our capacity by providing constructive feedback.”
As a Faculty Lecturer at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS), Boucher has developed case studies for the online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and contributed to the creation of specialized learning materials, notably the JSGS Briefing Note, designed to enhance student comprehension and engagement with complex policy issues. This Briefing Note material has been adopted across JSGS graduate programming.
“Martin’s pedagogical toolbox is filled with student-centered, authentic, and engaging practices - such as an adaptation of the “single-point rubric”, which emphasizes narrative feedback,” wrote Boucher’s nominator, JR Dingwall, Instructional Designer at the Distance Education Unit (DEU), University of Saskatchewan. “I believe this is something his students deeply appreciate.”
Beyond the classroom, Boucher has contributed to broader pedagogical conversations through published scholarly works focused on innovative teaching and learning methodologies.
Boucher’s teaching philosophy is rooted in adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of academia. “By concentrating on teaching students how to think rather than what to think, they are equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary for their academic and professional futures,” he explained.
At JSGS, Boucher has played a key role in the coordination of the development of Master of Public Administration (MPA) courses for online delivery. He taught numerous classes in the OMPA, MPA, and Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas (GENI) programs, developed five courses, led field schools for the GENI program, and delivered multiple residencies for the OMPA program.
Congratulations to Dr. Martin Boucher who will be formally recognized today at USask’s celebration of teaching as the inaugural recipient of the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Graduate-Level Teaching!