Jim Fredricksen is the Deputy Director of the Institute for Inclusive and Transformative Scholarship (IFITS) and a Professor of English Teaching at Boise State University. With over three decades of experience in education, Fredricksen holds a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University. His scholarly focus on understanding how people learn together has been central to his work in various roles, such as a middle school teacher, teacher educator, co-director of the Boise State Writing Project, and department chair.
For example, Fredricksen’s research on narrative writing pedagogy led to innovative teaching practices that help educators and young people broaden their understanding of narrative as a way of understanding the world and themselves.
As a teacher educator, he has mentored countless undergraduates and graduate students, serving as a chair or committee member for over fifty MA, EdD, and PhD students in a range of disciplines. His commitment to supporting educational growth and collaborative learning is evident in his leadership within the Boise State Writing Project, where he mentored over 150 educators across Idaho through year-long fellowships.
As a department chair, Fredricksen played a pivotal role in launching the Department of Writing Studies during the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout his career, Fredricksen has been dedicated to sharing knowledge, creating accessible opportunities for learners, building healthy cohorts and networks, and mentoring others. He aims for his contributions to have a lasting and meaningful impact on students, educators, and communities.