Social worker wins award for hands-on learning experience

“Without field instruction social work graduates would (maybe) be theoreticians. Without you (field instructors) they wouldn’t be able to translate what the school teaches them into real life actions.” —Shelia Sammon

Social worker and McMaster graduate Susan Boyd is this year’s winner of the Sheila Sammon Award for Excellence in Field Instruction, given by McMaster University’s  School of Social Work.

Boyd is the City of Hamilton’s manager of Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Services, and runs the Mental Health and Street Outreach Program. She was nominated by her students and peers for her ongoing commitment to field education in social work.

“As a placement supervisor and mentor, Susan not only provided me with the technical and theoretical skills needed to become a researcher, but also provided guidance in directing my critical thinking towards a social justice agenda,” a student said.

“Susan laid a strong foundation that would foster my learning and development to its fullest potential.”

Field practice is one of the most important elements in the education of future social workers, said Janice Chaplin, field education co-ordinator and assistant professor of social work.

“It’s where it all comes together and students get to experience practicing in the real world in organizations and alongside service users.”

“It’s only through the passion and generosity of field instructors like Susan Boyd that students are able to test their knowledge and skills and to practise what they’ve been taught in the classroom out in the  world.”

The Sheila Sammon Award for Excellence in Field Instruction was established in 2016 in recognition of professor Sheila Sammon’s outstanding contributions to social work practice and field education — not only at McMaster, but also at a provincial and federal level — over almost three decades.