Educational Developer - Indigenous Teaching and Learning Focus - (02056.278)

Thompson Rivers University; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Rivers University seeks a tenure-track Educational Developer focused on Indigenous Teaching and Learning. The role involves supporting faculty in curriculum design, fostering relationships with Indigenous communities, and promoting decolonization in educational practices. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree, knowledge of Secwépemc culture, and experience in post-secondary teaching. This position is primarily on-site at TRU's Kamloops campus with some travel required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary teaching experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of Secwépemc culture and history.
• Experience in developing decolonized curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Support faculty in developing innovative pedagogical practices.
• Lead workshops on Indigenization and decolonization.
• Collaborate on curriculum design and assessment.

Skills

Indigenous Citizenship

Excellent Communication

Project Management

Education

Master's Degree

PhD/EdD

Tools

Learning Management System

Job description

The Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) invites applications for a tenure-track Educational Developer, Indigenous Teaching and Learning Focus, reporting to the departmental chair and the Director, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. This faculty position includes both professional role and service to the university, profession and/or community.

The successful candidate will support and facilitate change and growth in teaching and learning environments, developing and maintaining positive relationships with Indigenous communities, and demonstrating active engagement in personal and professional growth through the work. They will work closely with faculty towards teaching design solutions, providing supportive and constructive feedback, and creatively engaging in curriculum and program design. The faculty member will work collaboratively with colleagues in CELT, and with faculty, departments, and administrative units across TRU’s campuses and provide guidance and constructive feedback to instructors seeking to Indigenize their teaching practice.

The successful candidate will have post-secondary teaching experience, rich knowledge of local First Nation (Secwépemc) world view, culture and educational philosophies. This position requires experience supporting colleagues with: developing decolonized curriculum, implementing culturally relevant and appropriate learning outcomes into course content, evaluating course content to ensure decolonized learning outcomes are incorporated into course content and enhancing teaching practices. They will work within the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and also work closely with the Office of Indigenous Education.

General Duties:

The Education Developer: Indigenous Teaching and Learning Focus position will be responsible for the creation of culturally relevant and appropriate educational development programs and resources and services for staff, students and faculty. These resources will support and facilitate change and growth in teaching and learning environments, develop and maintain positive relationships with the local Indigenous communities, and broaden the faculty’s understanding of local First Nation’s history, worldview, and culture. They will work closely with faculty towards teaching design solutions, providing supportive and constructive feedback, and creatively engaging in curriculum and program design. The faculty member will play an integral role in supporting the university’s commitment to Indigenization and decolonization. They will work collaboratively with colleagues in CELT. They will support faculty and departments across TRU’s campuses through professional development and the creation of decolonized resources. If approved by the Director of CELT, workload may also include professional development for administrative units.

Responsibilities may include:

• Actively supporting faculty members and departments in developing effective and innovative pedagogical practices through formal and informal individual and group consultations, communities of practice, and/or by offering workshops and other events and programs in alignment with CELT’s strategic plan and other university plans.
• Providing Indigenization and decolonization professional development opportunities for TRU faculty.
• Leading change to develop and ensure best practices in the areas of teaching and learning with a focus on the effort to increase awareness of Indigenous pedagogies, especially Secwépemc, as well as respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action and the TRU Vision and 10-year strategic change goals.
• Acting as a resource in emerging areas in post-secondary teaching and learning, including helping faculty to document their professional practice and develop their professional portfolios.
• Contributing to and collaborating on relevant institutional initiatives such as learning outcomes, general education implementation, curriculum design, assessment, course evaluation and accreditation.
• Participating on relevant committees and cross-functional working groups regarding teaching and learning as applicable and actively advocate and promote local First Nations (Secwépemc) worldview, history and culture.
• Assisting in ensuring currency of TRU programming and compliance with Senate and University policies.
• Participating in CELT and departmental meetings and planning.
• Developing and leading workshops for faculty that support TRU Indigenization goals and initiatives leading to change in educational practices.
• Reviewing and suggesting Indigenization and decolonization recommendations for current and future courses and programs at TRU.

Qualifications:

• Indigenous citizenship*
• At minimum, a completed Master's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution (PhD/EdD preferred)
• Extensive knowledge of Secwépemc culture, history, people and worldviews
• Experience facilitating learning at the post-secondary level, including topics such as decolonization and Indigenization, land-based learning, storytelling, experiential, intergenerational, and/or relational learning.
• Ability to create and design culturally appropriate and relevant educational programs, services and learning resources based on Indigenous worldviews
• Teaching experience at the post-secondary level
• Experience with developing and delivering professional development training for staff, faculty and students with the intention of increasing awareness of Indigenous lived experiences in Canada and in post-secondary institutions.
• Formal or informal experience in educational and faculty development (in association with a teaching and learning centre, or otherwise)
• Ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with multiple, diverse communities, especially local First Nation community
• Ability to work flexibly and independently within a team structure
• Ability to create and provide instructional development programming (e.g., consultations, workshops, conferences, structured learning experiences) on a range of teaching and learning topics
• Familiarity with current theories and practices in post-secondary teaching and learning
• Experience using a learning management system (LMS) and other online tools; ability to assist faculty in creating learning experiences in an online environment
• Skills in organization of work, such as planning, project management, time management, supervision, resourcing and administration
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• A valid Driver's License issued by a Canadian province or territory**

* Candidates will be expected to provide documentation as verification of their standing or membership within their Indigenous community.

**The primary location for this position is at TRU's Kamloops campus, with an expectation of predominantly on-site work delivered through a combination of in-person interactions and digital technologies. Occasional travel to Williams Lake and TRU's Regional Centres is required.

Application Package will comprise of:

• a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position,
• current curriculum vitae,
• educational development philosophy, including the candidate’s scholarly informed position on one or two emerging teaching practices in higher education (two pages maximum),
• evidence of Indigenous Citizenship*,
• External candidates only -- copy of academic degree(s) or official transcripts.

About CELT

The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) promotes engaged teaching practice and the scholarship of teaching and learning for all TRU faculty members.

We collaborate with faculties and schools across the university to support the development of engaging pedagogies through innovative professional development, personalized consulting and supportive educational leadership.

Our programs are designed to facilitate a teaching culture that improves student learning, successful transitions, and learner retention.

This faculty member will support our response to the following Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action 10 (2) and (3):

10 (2) Improving education attainment levels and success rates.

10 (3) Developing culturally appropriate curricula.

Initial Review of Applications will begin May 21, 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is hired.

Inquiries should be directed to the attention of:

Dr. Carol Sparkes, Appointments Committee Chair

Learning Design and Innovations Department

Open Learning, Thompson Rivers University

Email: [e-mail]

Pay Band: $73,665.93 - $114,124.39 (According to TRUFA Salary Schedule (Range TS01 - TS12)

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment:

Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.