"Instructor II - Social Contexts in Education"

The Faculty of Education is seeking a dynamic educator and innovative educational leader whose academic work demonstrates in-depth knowledge and understanding of the relationship between theoretical knowledge and professional practice to provide high-quality preparation of future teachers. The individual should be an experienced educator and collaborative colleague for a two-year term full-time Instructor II position in the area of Social Contexts in Education. Academic duties include (i) teaching undergraduate courses, including supervision of undergraduate field experiences, and assessment of student work; (ii) professional activities that contribute to a larger discourse; and (iii) other contributions to the University and scholarly communities. Of note, our Faculty of Education has a deep commitment to educating its students in the multifaceted considerations of social contexts in education. As such, every undergraduate student is required to complete a social contexts course in addition to other Educational Foundations courses.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills
Qualifications include a graduate degree directly relevant to the social contexts of education as these areas are core components of our undergraduate Bachelor of Education programs. A doctoral degree is preferred. Applicants who are nearing completion of their doctoral degree will be considered; individuals considered ‘master’ teachers as supported by evidence who have successfully attained a master’s level graduate degree in a field relevant to Social Contexts in Education may also be considered. Applicants should have a minimum of three years of teaching experience and be eligible for teacher certification in the Province of Alberta. The successful candidate should have the ability and interest to teach courses in and contribute to our Bachelor of Education degree.

The ability to teach in online, face-to-face, and blended formats, and the ability to integrate innovative technology into teaching will be an asset for this position. As a destination university, prospective applicants are expected to relocate to Lethbridge, Alberta to support students and actively engage in our university culture. Fluency in English is a requirement. Proficiency in a second language is an asset.

Preference will be given to applicants with scholarly expertise, experience, and/or ability to teach in areas directly related to the social contexts of education, including but not limited to, one or more of the following areas:

• Teaching and learning in complex classroom spaces.
• Social and cultural influences and issues affecting learning, teaching in school environments.
• Approaches to addressing accessibility, belonging, community and decoloniality.
• Social construction of knowledge.
• Student success in inclusive learning environments.
• Privilege and its influences on educational experiences.
• Legal frameworks supporting the creation of equitable classrooms.
• Diverse cultural knowledges.
• Blackfoot and other Indigenous knowledges.
• Inclusive learning environments and complex context.
• Learning, identity, wellbeing and the social good.

Ability to teach in one or more of these additional areas at the undergraduate or graduate level is considered a strong asset:

• Gender and sexuality.
• Digital pedagogies.
• Early years and elementary pedagogies.
• Sociology of education.
• Philosophy of education.
• Professions and trades education (e.g. CTS, CTF).

About our Faculty
Situated in the heart of Blackfoot territory on its lands and waters, the University of Lethbridge (Iniskim)’s Faculty of Education (Iinooikaksini) seeks to respectfully honour and work alongside in supporting the advancement of Blackfoot culture, language, and values. Built on an ethic of care, we are committed to act upon principles of fairness, equity, belonging and decoloniality in all our relations. By respectfully modelling diverse approaches to research, teaching and service, we continually strive to enable undergraduate and graduate students to become caring, creative, and critical teachers, counselors, researchers, and leaders. Through innovative, thoughtful, and accessible practices informed by our expertise, we prepare professionals to effectively engage with educational complexities both known and yet to be revealed. Central to these commitments is endeavouring to be local, national, and international leaders in education, counselling, and research.

About our programs
The Faculty of Education offers three pathways to a highly regarded undergraduate-level bachelor’s degree leading to teacher certification. Information about our undergraduate programming can be found at https://www.ulethbridge.ca/education/undergrad. Our graduate programs in contemporary issues in education and educational leadership offer options for thesis, project and course based. We also offer a Master of Counselling degree and Master of Education in Clinical and Counselling Psychology degree. Details about the Faculty of Education’s graduate programs can be found at https://www.ulethbridge.ca/education/grad.

About the University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge was established in 1967 with a student population of 638. It has grown to a current population of nearly 9,000 full-time and part-time students, with approximately 766 graduate students and 600 international students from more than 90 countries. Two campuses (Calgary and Lethbridge) and 18 research centres and institutes make up our university community. There are more than 55,000 University of Lethbridge alumni worldwide. The University’s main campus is situated on over 550 acres of traditional Blackfoot territory in west Lethbridge. In the 2024 Maclean’s University Rankings, the University of Lethbridge’s student scholarship support combined with continued excellence in research saw us jump five spots in the primarily undergraduate classification across Canada and number one in Alberta. Student scholarship support saw us leap from 16th to 7th overall in the category. As a testament to the close relationship we have with community partners, our reputation ranking is a solid fourth overall.

About the community of Lethbridge
The City of Lethbridge is known for being Where the Rocky Mountains meet the Prairies. A city since 1906, Lethbridge is a growing community of just over 100,000 residents, that features affordability and vibrant community engagement. Located in southern Alberta, Lethbridge approximately 145 kilometers east of the Canadian Rockies and 95 kilometers north of the United States border. The city's economy has expanded from primarily agriculture into a thriving industrial, commercial, research and technology hub. Lethbridge's major employers are in the education, health care and government sectors. Lethbridge is known for its bright sunshine (more than 320 days per year), warm summers, and mild winters thanks to our semi-arid climate and Chinook winds. The Oldman River divides the north and south sides from the west side. The river valley's coulees are home to one of North America's largest urban park systems. With over 240km of trails, enjoy walks, runs and bike rides throughout the city. Adventure is only a short drive away! Experience hiking, camping, skiing and more just outside Lethbridge. Information about Lethbridge can be found at https://www.ulethbridge.ca/about/about-lethbridge.

Application Process
All applications must be submitted online, and should include a: 1. a letter of application (2 page max.) outlining their experience with and knowledge with specific attention to the above-described needs; 2. a detailed academic curriculum vitae including the names and contact information for three referees; and, 3. a teaching philosophy statement (1 page max.) that clearly articulates the applicant’s commitment to accessibility, belonging and community.