Field Experience Associate

Competition 2205

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

While this position welcomes applications from individuals external to the university, current Academic Teaching Staff are first notified of available positions and will receive first consideration in accordance with the terms of the Academic Teaching Staff Agreement before considering external candidates. Please login to verify your internal candidate status.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and salary will be commensurate with experience in accordance with the Academic Teaching Staff Agreement.

This position has an initial appointment of 8 months.

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

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 over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 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 Faculty of Education

As part of the University of Alberta’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Faculty of Education is home to award-winning teachers, internationally recognized researchers, educational innovators, and community leaders. When you join the Faculty of Education, you are joining one of the world’s top faculties of education, consistently ranked among the top four faculties of education in Canada and top 100 in the world. At heart, we are a supportive, welcoming academic community of highly engaged, socially conscious, diverse scholars, students, and staff. Our work impacts K-12 students, their families, communities, and partners in education and other professions. We advance the careers of future researchers, teachers, professionals, and policy makers as active and contributing citizens.

Position

The University of Alberta, Faculty of Education, invites applications for a Contract Field Experience Associate position for the 2025-2026 academic year. The successful applicant must possess an undergraduate degree; however a masters or doctorate degree in Education is preferred. Candidates must have successfully taught in Alberta’s K-12 Public Education system, possess relevant graduate coursework in education, and have experience in supporting our Field Experiences program. The contract will begin in late August and will conclude in early May, with the possibility of renewal in future academic years.

Contract Field Experience Associates (FEAs) are contract educators appointed to participate in the development and implementation of the Field Experience programs administered by the University of Alberta, Faculty of Education. The successful applicant will be directly employed by the University of Alberta, as part of the Field Experience team.

The FEA team contributes to Faculty liaison activities, as well as being involved with students and staff in a variety of contexts: working with individual Pre-service Teachers and University Facilitators, instructing students in accompanying undergraduate seminars, working with Mentor Teachers to prepare them for their responsibilities, and working with Field Experience partners in professional development activities. The Faculty, in designing and developing its programs, seeks to integrate theory with practice. FEAs play a key role in achieving this integration of on-campus coursework with the Field Experiences.

Duties

Supporting Pre-service Teachers

FEAs are involved in supporting Pre-service Teachers in a variety of ways at different stages in the placement cycle. Specific responsibilities include:

• Providing orientation and support to students related to the expectations and processes associated with the Field Experience.
• Facilitating placements that accommodate extenuating circumstances.
• Identifying supports and developing goals for students who have been unsuccessful in an attempt at a Field Experience.
• Working with the various partners in the Field Experience to resolve problems that arise.

Instructing/Teaching in the Undergraduate Program

FEAs are responsible for facilitating seminars in the Undergraduate Program. They are also involved in developing modules and courses, and teaching within the Supporting Mentor Teacher Project (SMTP). The specific responsibilities of a FEA will be assigned based on the needs of the Faculty of Education.

Providing Leadership to a Cohort of University Facilitators

FEAs determine school assignments for Edmonton area University Facilitators, act as group leaders for a cohort of University Facilitators, provide in-service and conduct regular meetings with the cohort. FEAs also work with University Facilitators in schools when they are needed to help support students of concern.

Assisting in Program Development and Implementation Enhancing Undergraduate Program

FEAs are involved in a range of other activities that relate to the planning and design of the Field Experiences program, including:

• Participating in the preparation and delivery of events for Pre-service Teachers and University Facilitators.
• Assisting in the placement of Pre-service Teachers.
• Creating communication messages to a variety of stakeholders.
• Communicating with and assisting with recruitment of schools and Mentor Teachers.
• Providing in-service for Mentor Teachers and School Coordinators.
• Developing and revising materials and communications associated with the Field Experiences.
• Representing the Education Student Services unit and participating in other Education Student Services (ESS) committee work.
• Acting as liaison between the University and the field.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's in Education.
• Relevant graduate courses in Education.
• Significant experience supporting our Faculty’s Field Experience program.
• Experience in providing effective leadership in an educational context.
• Record of excellence in teaching in Alberta’s K-12 public education system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• History of professional involvement in such activities and organizations as ATA specialist councils, Alberta Education committees, school district committees, school committees, etc.
• Current involvement with public education in some capacity.
• Knowledge of tools within learning management systems, popular usage, and functionalities.
• Knowledge about and experience in using educational technologies, in particular multimedia tools.

How to Apply

All applicants are required to submit the following via the online application portal noted below:

1. Cover Letter: The cover letter should provide a brief summary of your qualifications. As there may be the possibility of contract renewal in subsequent academic years, please express your interest in this regard in your cover letter.
2. Curriculum Vitae (Resumé): Applicants have considerable discretion in the manner in which they develop and present their curriculum vitae.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation: Two recent letters of reference are requested. References should be written by persons who have considerable knowledge of the applicant's work as a teacher and have good insights into the skills, attributes, and background needed for success as a Field Experience Associate. Letters should speak to the applicant's classroom teaching abilities, leadership activities in education, and experience and abilities related to nurturing the professional development of pre-service teachers. Letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline.