William James Sisler (1868-1954)

Educator.

Born in Ontario, he graduated from the University of Chicago. From 1905 to 1921 he was principal of Strathcona School in Winnipeg, then he became principal of Isaac Newton High School, from which he retired in 1938. Sisler developed the “direct method” of teaching English to immigrant students, which was widely copied in Manitoba and elsewhere. He opened at Strathcona the city’s first night school and encouraged sports for his students. In 1919-20 he was president of the North Winnipeg Canadian Club. He was the author of a school textbook entitled Peaceful Invasion (1944) and Pioneers of Rockwood and Woodlands (1949).

He is commemorated by Sisler High School in Winnipeg.

His papers are at the Archives of Manitoba.

More information:

W. J. Sisler - A Great Canadian by Harry Shave
Manitoba Pageant, Volume 11, Number 2, Winter 1966

Source:

Profile revised: 27 April 2008

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