SIA-CTLA01H3 Foundations in Effective Academic Communication - Winter 2026

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university in Toronto seeks a Sessional Instructional Assistant for the course 'Foundations in Effective Academic Communication' for Winter 2026. Candidates should have a Master’s degree and experience teaching university students, focusing on enhancing critical thinking and academic writing skills. This role involves preparing course materials, leading weekly sessions, and providing feedback. Competitive hourly pay at $54.27 plus vacation pay.

Benefits

4% vacation pay

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience teaching at a university.
• Evidence of ability to support multilingual students' communication skills.
• Experience teaching writing one-on-one.

Responsibilities

• Prepare interactive materials for engaging student learning.
• Lead one in-person practicum session weekly.
• Provide constructive feedback to students.

Skills

Critical thinking

Academic communication

Excellent communication skills

Motivational skills

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Canvas (Quercus)

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Job description

SIA-CTLA01H3 Foundations in Effective Academic Communication - Winter 2026

Date Posted: 11/03/2025
Req ID: 45775
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Ctr-Teaching & Learning
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Description:

* Emergency Posting

CTLA01H3 Foundations in Effective Academic Communication

Course overview: This highly interactive course for English Language Learners is designed to fast-track the development of critical thinking, reading, writing and oral communication skills. Through the emphasis on academic writing and rapid expansion of vocabulary, students will gain practical experience with university-level academic texts and assignment expectations. In this learner-centered course designed to help students challenged by academic English accelerate the development of critical thinking, reading, writing and oral communication skills in academic contexts, there is a strong emphasis on building a learning community that is inclusive, mutually beneficial and has multidirectional communication that promotes active and voluntary learning.

Please note application requirements for each posting under the "Duties" section. The Centre for Teaching and Learning reserves the right to make partial appointments.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Job Title: CTLA01H3, Foundations in Effective Academic Communication - SIA

Number of Positions: One (1)

Size of Appointment (hours): Up to 70 hours

Session: Winter 2026

Salary: $54.27 per hour + 4% vacation pay

Appointment Dates: January 5, 2026 – April 30, 2026
Practicum Dates: January 14, 2026 to March 25, 2026
Practicum Times: Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00pm (In-person)
Office Hours: To be arranged

Required Qualifications:

A minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field; a minimum of 3 years of experience teaching at a university; evidence of ability to support the development of critical thinking and academic communication skills (especially academic writing) of multilingual university students who have significant needs related to English for Academic Purposes; relevant experience teaching writing one-on-one and/or teaching in university courses with a significant writing instruction component; demonstrated ability and high level of comfort discussing and teaching grammar to students in university courses; excellent communication and motivational skills, demonstrated ability to be perceived as highly approachable by students; and demonstrated ability to create a lively, highly motivating learning environment and sustain students’ interest in learning (as reflected through student attendance and engagement throughout the semester).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting student learning through an online environment; training in writing, education or applied linguistics would be a great asset; experience working with a diverse group of students and training in second-language instruction at the university level; demonstrated evidence of active involvement in research in the field of second language writing; experience with teaching that involves critical Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy with specified use of Generative AI in achieving course goals; a demonstrated ability and experience using Canvas (Quercus); and knowledge and experience using web conferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Previous experience is more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.

Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.

Description of Duties:

The Sessional Instructional Assistant will prepare motivating and stimulating materials that engage students in dynamic and interactive learning during practicums, provide constructive feedback and encourage confidence-building participation that develops students’ competence in academic oral and written communication. The special focus on rapid expansion of core vocabulary and academic writing provides the foundation and practical experience for students to cope effectively with university-level academic texts and assignment expectations. Students will engage actively in collaborative peer learning through consistent engagement with cell group interactions, Peer Scholar interactions, assigned group work outside class as well as through online learning.

Responsible for leading one in-person practicum session per week on Wednesdays, 12 noon – 1 pm, in a way that establishes a robust highly-interactive learning community in the physical class; conduct office hours; grade projects, assignments, oral presentations and reflective journals; mid-terms and final assessments; facilitate the discussion board to stimulate an active and genuine exchange of ideas and deepening of critical thinking skills; grade quality of participation in discussion board and Peer Scholar; responsible for conducting assessments in accordance with criteria specified; provide supportive written feedback and guidance that helps individual students to develop their vocabulary and increase critical thinking and academic writing skills. Invigilation of the in-person mid-term test may be required.

Appointment Dates: January 5, 2026 – April 30, 2026
Practicum Dates: January 14, 2026 to March 25, 2026
Practicum Times: Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00pm (In-person)
Office Hours: To be arranged

Application Instructions: (DO NOT APPLY ON THIS SUCCESS FACTORS POSTING SITE, FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BELOW)

Salary: $54.27 per hour + 4% vacation pay

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement.

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].