📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sessional Lecturer - INI102H1F: Storytelling Through Creative Nonfiction
🔹 Company: University of Toronto
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time
🔹 Category: Education
🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Teaching creative writing techniques and various forms of creative nonfiction
- Leading field trips, readings, interviews, and journaling activities
- Generating material for essays on engagement with nature in the city
- Restricted to first-year students
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of teaching, creative writing, and engaging students in various activities to foster their connection to nature.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Teach the full course, including lectures, discussions, and workshops
✅ Conduct all grading and prepare and submit final marks
✅ Hold office hours each week and answer student questions via email and/or appointment
✅ Prepare and submit a course syllabus and detailed course outline
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be expected to create a supportive learning environment that encourages students to explore their creative writing abilities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: MA in journalism or a related field, or relevant professional experience
Experience: At least 3 years of experience teaching creative writing
Required Skills:
- Proven ability in creative writing and teaching creative writing techniques
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to engage students in various activities and foster their connection to nature
Preferred Skills:
- Publication record in creative writing
- Demonstrated interest in pedagogy
- Familiarity with the range of writing ability of undergraduates
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in creative writing, teaching experience, and a passion for engaging students in nature-focused activities are encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 9,457.90 - 10,570.02 (includes vacation pay)
Benefits:
- Access to university benefits package (details not specified)
Working Hours: Fridays 1:00pm - 4:00pm, with additional time for preparation, grading, and office hours
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is based on the collective agreement for CUPE 3902 Unit 3 and may vary based on experience and rank.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: The University of Toronto was founded in 1827, and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) was established in 1965.
Company Description:
- The Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education (LHAE) is a dynamic and inclusive learning community focused on educational leadership, policy, social justice, and community engagement.
- The department considers education broadly, encompassing relations between different social settings such as families, workplaces, local communities, and national and international contexts.
- Research and teaching themes include equity and social justice, professional education, policy studies, educational leadership and organizations, and adult learning within institutions and settings.
Company Specialties:
- Educational Leadership and Administration
- Policy and Change
- Social Justice and Community Engagement
Company Website: https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/lhae
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto and the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education offer a supportive and inclusive environment for teaching and learning.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Sessional Lecturer (rank varies based on experience)
Reporting Structure: The Sessional Lecturer reports directly to the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education.
Work Arrangement: This is a part-time, on-site position with a fixed term from September 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or III based on experience and performance
- Opportunities to teach additional courses or workshops
- Possibility to engage in research and publication in creative writing and education
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the academic community.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote teaching and communication with students
Office Location(s): 252 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, CA
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant arts and culture scene
- The University of Toronto is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, offering easy access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants
- The city is home to numerous parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for nature-focused activities
Work Schedule: Fridays 1:00pm - 4:00pm, with additional time for preparation, grading, and office hours
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is supportive and inclusive, with a focus on collaboration and student-centered learning.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit application materials (CV, teaching evidence, and CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form) to hr.innis@utoronto.ca
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview
- Interviews may include a teaching demonstration or discussion of teaching philosophy
Key Assessment Areas:
- Teaching experience and ability
- Familiarity with creative writing techniques and creative nonfiction
- Understanding of the course material and ability to engage students in nature-focused activities
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant teaching experience and creative writing background
- Include any available student evaluations or teaching testimonials
- Demonstrate your understanding of the course material and your ability to engage students in nature-focused activities
ATS Keywords: Creative Writing, Teaching, Pedagogy, Curriculum Development, Student Engagement, Grading, Office Hours, Field Trips, Journaling, Interviews, Course Design, Creative Nonfiction, Syllabus Preparation, Communication, Feedback, Literature
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates are encouraged to highlight their unique qualifications and experiences.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Learning Management Systems (e.g., Quercus, Blackboard)
- Office Suite (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
- Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with common teaching and learning technologies is expected.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusivity and diversity
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Student-centered learning and success
Work Style:
- Flexible and adaptable
- Student-focused and engaging
- Collaborative and supportive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to inclusive and diverse learning environments?
- Are you able to engage students in creative writing activities and foster their connection to nature?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and supportive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the company's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing teaching, grading, and office hours with other responsibilities
- Managing student expectations and providing constructive feedback
- Adapting to the unique needs and abilities of first-year students
- Navigating the university's policies and procedures
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a commitment to student success.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Sessional Lecturer positions within the University of Toronto and other higher education institutions
- However, this role is unique in its focus on creative writing techniques and creative nonfiction, as well as its emphasis on engaging students in nature-focused activities
- Career progression may include advancement to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or III, as well as opportunities to teach additional courses or workshops
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their fit with the unique aspects of this role and the potential for career growth within the academic community.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a course syllabus and detailed course outline
- Designing and implementing creative writing activities and assignments
- Facilitating field trips, readings, interviews, and journaling sessions
ASSUMPTION: These projects are representative of the types of tasks the Sessional Lecturer will be expected to complete.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this course, and how can I best support student success?
- How does this course fit into the broader curriculum, and what are the expectations for student learning outcomes?
- What resources and support are available to help me succeed in this role?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the department?
- How does the department support work-life balance for its Sessional Lecturers?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, the department, and the university's commitment to supporting its educators.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application materials (CV, teaching evidence, and CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form) to hr.innis@utoronto.ca
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant teaching experience and creative writing background
- Include any available student evaluations or teaching testimonials
- Prepare a course syllabus and detailed course outline, demonstrating your understanding of the course material and your ability to engage students in nature-focused activities
- Follow up with the hiring manager two weeks after the application deadline to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
