Meet two FIFSW professors who are creating supportive and innovative learning environments for social work students

Two faculty members from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work have received 2024-2025 Teaching Awards in recognition of their contributions and commitment to teaching and supervision. Professor Shelley Craig received FIFSW’s Supervision Excellence Award and Professor Micheal Shier received FIFSW’s Teaching Excellence Award. 

FIFSW’s teaching awards recognize excellence in teaching and contributions to the Faculty’s educational programs through curriculum development, innovation, and research on education. 

“Preparing students to excel as ethical and skilled social work practitioners, leaders, and researchers is central to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s mission,” says Charmaine Williams, Dean of the Faculty. “Professors Craig and Shier’s dedication to students, innovative teaching, supervision and mentorship, and spirit of collaboration embody FIFSW’s commitment to top-quality, learner-centred education.” 

Professor Shelley Craig 

Through her leadership in a variety of supervisory roles within FIFSW programs and beyond, Professor Craig has built supportive learning environments that create opportunities for students and emerging academics from around the world to lead projects, participate in symposia and committees, and build on their strengths in research.  

“Mentoring, formally or informally, is part of my academic philosophy,” says Craig. “I work to tailor each supervisory experience to each student’s experience and learning approaches and unlock their expertise. Guiding and encouraging future leaders in our profession is both a pleasure and a significant responsibility.” 

Craig’s supervisory work has included support for high school, Master of Social Work, and PhD students, alike.  As the Prinicipal Investigator for the International Network for Queer Youth Resilience (INQYR), Craig leads an International Student Training Network — a two-year bilingual training program that has trained emerging sexual and gender diverse (SGD) scholars in Canada, the US, Mexico, the UK and Australia to conduct research with SGD populations.  

Over 250 students have benefited from her advanced research training programs, research lab activities, and postgraduate supervision. 

“I have envisioned a future where sexual and gender diverse academics would have community, self-efficacy, and cutting-edge research skills to lead the next generation of social justice scholarship,” says Craig. 

Professor Craig served as FIFSW’s Associate Dean, Academic from 2016 to 2019.  

“What sets Dr. Craig apart is her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of sexual and gender diverse people through research and practice,” says Kaitrin Doll, a PhD Candidate at FIFSW. “She models hard work and purpose-driven scholarship, setting a powerful example for students navigating academic spaces where queer women have not always had equal opportunities for success. Her drive, clarity of vision, and research impact are deeply inspiring. She shows what is possible when quiet is not just a value, but a way of leading.”

Professor Micheal Shier 

Professor Shier’s recent leadership as Director of the Master of Social Work program and as Coordinator of the Human Services Management and Leadership Field of Study exemplifies his commitment to FIFSW students and programs. But his innovative leadership is also evident in the classroom, where he has worked to incorporate applied experience and practice with research and theory. Shier also sees mentorship as key to student education and support. 

“I have been very fortunate in my student and professional academic career to have had exceptional mentors that have nurtured and supported my creativity and independent learning,” says Shier. “These experiences have made me mindful of the need to give a high level of support to my students to enhance their own skills and overall development in achieving their intended goals.” 

Incorporating technology, such as video animation software, into the classroom along with a variety of instructional methods gives Shier’s students the opportunity to experiment with different ways to articulate their ideas as they develop tangible leadership skills and apply those skills in a practicum or work setting. Shier also encourages the students in his classes to share their knowledge and experiences. 

“Students are active participants in learning, not passive receivers of facts, theories and case studies. There is a working partnership between the student and the instructor,” says Shier of his approach. “I try to incorporate multiple perspectives in the classroom. Respect and understanding of diverse identities provide an opportunity for shared learning and personal and professional development and growth for all.” 

This year, Professor Shier takes on a new role as FIFSW’s Associate Dean Academic.  

“Professor Shier truly shifted my perspective on leadership and social innovation,” says Destin Bujang (MSW 2025). “He challenged me to think beyond traditional frameworks and helped me see how lived experience could inform systems change in powerful ways. His mentorship allowed me to lead with both purpose and authenticity, and he gave me the confidence to pursue a unique path rooted in community. The way he models values-driven leadership in both academic and real-world contexts makes him incredibly deserving of this award.”

 Nominations for FIFSW Teaching Awards are made by students, alumni and faculty. Learn more via the Faculty’s Teaching Awards web page.