Instructor, Trades Pathways Adult Basic Education

Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation faculty members prepare students for success in a wide range of post-secondary programs, workplaces, and communities. They support and empower students toward growth and change. They contribute to the culture of the Faculty through energetic teaching, scholarship and institutional service. Faculty members must be committed to inclusivity and diversity, and they play a critical role in building the capacity of the Faculty.

The purpose of this position, developed in partnership with VIU's tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) Campus, is to support the development of Trades-specific language skills and workplace cultural competencies for newcomers to Canada to aide with access to VIU Trades and professional programs in the qathet region.

Duties: 

Reporting to the Dean of Academic and Career Preparation, the Trades Pathways instructor serves as a member of the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation, tiwšɛmawtxʷ Campus, and the larger Vancouver Island University community. The Trades Pathways is a program to prepare immigrants, refugees, permanent residents and newcomers for entry into Trades and professional programs.

• The instructor will be responsible for in-person and online delivery of Trades Pathways curriculum, including identifying opportunities for collaboration with relevant guest speakers and activities directly related to Trades.
• This position will support Trades Pathways students.
• The instructor will work closely with the Trades Pathways Coordinator, other ACP and tiwšɛmawtxʷ Campus staff, and receiving Trades Faculty to support student progression towards their chosen trade in post-secondary education.
• The incumbent will ensure students with individual learning challenges, diverse cultural and varied educational backgrounds are welcomed and supported in the classroom, including those who have recent experiences of trauma.
• The incumbent will have a strong knowledge of adult education practices and a willingness to work with students from a wide range of cultural and academic backgrounds whose first language is not English.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline from an appropriately accredited institution and relevant teaching experience.
• Recent experience teaching and familiarity with the needs of newcomers to Canada.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching, learning, collaboration and student success through subject currency, ongoing professional training, and institutional service.
• Strong sense of empathy and ability to connect with diverse students.
• Experience in trauma informed pedagogy.
• Demonstrated high level of oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Proven interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Computer proficiency is required.
• Responsive to unexpected and rapid changes in environment and student base.
• Ability to adapt to changing program structures (this is a developing program, as such parameters of delivery are still being identified and may need to change to fit the needs of students and receiving faculty).
• Ability to think outside the box and facilitate innovative learning opportunities that support student progression towards admission to Trades programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• TOESL certificate or diploma recognized by TOESL Canada or meets equivalent criteria.
• Recent documented experience teaching ESL.
• Teacher training/certification.
• Familiarity with Trades programs and fields.
• Experience working with immigrant populations.
• Experience with programs and systems at Vancouver Island University.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities. 

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.