kiskinohtahiwêw ATEP Field Experience Lead

Competition 1171

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff (TLAPO) Agreement, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $63,090 - $105,189. This position has an initial appointment of one year with a possibility of extension.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton. This role is in-person.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of  knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department

The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) is both an online and on-campus collaborative cohort program foregrounding Indigenous values and methods of teaching, learning, and knowing. This program works towards developing a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture and perspectives on teaching and learning, primarily in schools where Aboriginal children are learning. Our goal is to improve the educational experiences of Aboriginal children by increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers in communities all over Alberta.

Position 

The position of kiskinohtahiwêw ATEP Field Experience Lead (a leader who guides the way) was established to address the need for leadership possessing both extensive experience in the public education system and in-depth, lived experience of Indigenous identities and ways of being in the world. The kiskinohtahiwêw's major responsibility is to operate the Field Experience component of the ATEP Bachelor of Education degree program, which places ATEP students in local and regional schools annually, as well as schools across Canada.

To this end, the kiskinohtahiwêw fosters and nurtures relationships with the public, First Nation, and Settlement schools across Western Canada as well as other stakeholders within the education community, including the Field Experience team operating on behalf of the Faculty of Education's mainstream programs. Foregrounding community connection and fostering mâmahwohkamâtowin is a responsibility of all ATEP team members and uplifting ATEP's values is an essential component of daily work.

The kiskinohtahiwêw will work closely with the ATEP team to ensure student well-being and success throughout their practicum placements. Additionally, the kiskinohtahiwêw will participate in the seasonal hiring of, and oversee the work of, a small team of University Facilitators who will monitor student progress and ensure student success.

Duties 

The kiskinohtahiwêw's duties fall into 5 main areas:

• Strategic Planning, including the planning and evaluation of numerous aspects of ATEP's Field Experience component and contributing to relevant bodies of knowledge
• Placement Coordination, including establishing and developing a wide range of processes and relationships critical to operating the Field Experience component
• Teaching and Mentorship, including the coordination and execution of orientation, training, and professional development sessions, providing one-on-one guidance and support, and instructing the annual seminar that accompanies the Field Experience
• Community Relationship-Building, including initiating, maintaining, and nurturing individual contacts and liaison with a wide variety of local and regional education authorities and associations; participating in committees and representing ATEP at various tables within the University and externally; and ensuring that approximately 100 mentor teachers are recruited annually to work with ATEP students
• Reporting and Records Management, including the effective management of student information and regular reporting to stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in education or a related field, or equivalent
• Minimum 2-4 years of teaching experience within the K-12 system in Alberta
• Professional teacher certification by an authorizing body
• Experience in a supervisory and/or leadership role

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mentoring staff and/or students
• Working knowledge of existing technology and systems commonly used in to manage field placements
• Experience with presenting to large and small groups and an ability to relate comfortably with individuals 

Candidates will also be assessed on the following:

• Demonstrated an action-based belief in our students and an openness to looking at ongoing ways for our students to have a greater impact on their programming and their futures as professional teachers
• Ability to handle the complexities and varying needs of many different groups and individuals
• Good listening skills and an ability to bring people with varying perspectives and responsibilities together in creating a common understanding and direction
• Ability to interact in a manner that positively contributes to a cooperative office atmosphere and to participate as a leadership team member
• Ability to engage with and provide support for mentor teachers, school partners, and educational communities in a way that honors, uplifts, and centers Indigenous ways of being and doing within pedagogical contexts    

We ask that candidates explain, in their cover letter, the extent and nature of their professional networks within public, First Nations, and Metis school systems and communities, and the broader Education community.

We also ask for a statement on the candidate's lived experience and understanding of Indigenous perspectives, cultures, values, knowledge systems, protocol, and practices.