Dr. Shijing Xu, University of Windsor Professor and Associate Dean – Teacher Education
By John-Paul Bonadonna
University of Windsor professor and Associate Dean – Teacher Education, Dr. Shijing Xu has been named the recipient of the 2025 Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Leaders & Legends Global Service Award.
The award recognizes individuals who make exceptional contributions to addressing the world’s social and humanitarian challenges, achieving notable global impact while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the promotion of diversity.
Dr. Xu was recognized for her transformative work fostering cross-cultural understanding in education.
For nearly two decades at UWindsor, Xu has championed reciprocal learning, a model that values equality, mutual respect and shared knowledge between cultures. She has spearheaded the UWindsor–Southwest University (China) Reciprocal Learning Program and a multi-year SSHRC Partnership Grant that links university and school educators, students and communities in Canada and China.
“These partnerships are about more than exchanging ideas,” Xu said. “They’re about building relationships of trust and mutual respect, where educators and students inspire one another to see new possibilities in teaching and learning.”
Her programs have brought together over 650 Bachelor of Education and graduate students, 500 educators and tens of thousands of K-12 students in both countries. By pairing schools across the Pacific, Xu has created what she calls a “living laboratory” for collaborative teaching, curriculum development and intercultural dialogue.
On receiving the Global Service Award, she said, “It tells me that our decade-long efforts to bridge Western and Eastern educators, across universities and schools, reflect a shared vision that is recognized and valued in today’s complex world.”
Grateful to her mentors, colleagues and students, Xu emphasizes that the award reflects a collective effort.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication of so many educators, researchers and communities in Canada, China and beyond,” she said. “This recognition belongs to all of us.”
Through her vision and leadership, Xu has positioned UWindsor as a hub for globally connected teacher education, bridging cultures and preparing future educators to meet the challenges of a shared world.