Summary
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.
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.[MOU1]
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.
About TRU
Thompson Rivers University (www.tru.ca) is a uniquely comprehensive, student-focused institution that has provided excellent post-secondary education and training for over 50 years. TRU gives students the advantage of small class sizes, the availability of undergraduate research and a centrally located campus. More than 27,000 students’ study at TRU either on campus or online. They consist of 10 per cent Indigenous students and more than 30 per cent international students from around the globe.
Thompson Rivers University campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúlucw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.
TRU's main campus is located in Kamloops, BC (www.kamloops.ca), a prosperous city in the heart of the BC southern interior. Kamloops is a 3.5-hour drive from Vancouver and a mere 50-minute drive from Sun Peaks, the second-largest ski area in Canada. Kamloops offers world-class tourism and recreation along with excellent cultural, social, and economic opportunities in a climate with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
What TRU Offers
The Educational Developer is an Instructional Support I faculty position. The salary range for this position is described within the TRUFA Collective Agreement (TS1 through TS12). Placement on the Salary Scale is in accordance with the Collective Agreement between TRU and TRU Faculty Association (TRUFA) with initial placement based on education and experience. This position offers an annual Professional Development Allowance, participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and 100% employer paid benefits, which include extended health & dental, sick leave and short term and long-term disability. (See www.TRUFA.ca for the collective agreement. Appendix A – Salary Schedules.)
This position is located in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Review of applications will begin May 1, 2025.
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: csparkes@tru.ca
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 peoples, Black people and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations or gender identities. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website.
