The Okanagan School of Education (OSE), located in the city of Kelowna on the unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples, is part of the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Faculty of Education. The OSE has opportunities for Sessional Lecturers in the English Foundation Program (EFP). Winter Term 1 positions are expected to start September 1, 2025. Winter Term 2 positions are expected to start January 1, 2026.
The EFP is a credit-bearing English as an additional language (EAL) program for students working towards meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements. In addition to EAL skills development, the program seeks to develop students’ sense of place, general knowledge, study skills, intercultural competence, community engagement, wellness, and local Indigenous knowledges. While in the EFP, students have the option of taking one or two additional university courses at the same time.
Applicants can learn more about the English Foundation Program at education.ok.ubc.ca/efp.
Sessional lecturers may teach one or more of writing and grammar, reading and vocabulary, listening and speaking, or campus, community, and culture. An opportunity may exist to teach more than one strand or in more than one section. Each of these four strands represents the equivalent of three hours a week of instructional time in the following English for academic purposes (EAP) courses.
EAP 103 (3) English for Academic Purposes Level III
Practice and refinement of academic communication and composition skills: writing and grammar; reading comprehension and proficiency; listening comprehension and oral fluency; intercultural communication. Students participate in an increasingly complex variety of academic activities and situations involving multiple purposes and participants. Twelve weeks (240 hours).
Prerequisite: Minimum English language competence level (see English Language Proficiency Tests at http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=2,19,1040,0). Registration limited to students in the English Foundation Program.
EAP 104 (3) English for Academic Purposes Level IV
Development of advanced academic communication and composition skills: writing and grammar; reading comprehension and proficiency; comprehension and oral fluency; intercultural communication. Students participate in a variety of complex academic activities and situations involving multiple purposes and participants. Twelve weeks (240 hours). Prerequisite: Successful completion of EAP 103 or minimum English language competence level (see English Language Proficiency Tests at http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=2,19,1040,0). Registration limited to students in the English Foundation Program.
These courses each consist of twelve hours of core content, three hours a week of experiential language learning labs, and up to five hours a week of workshops, customized tutorials, and other co-curricular educational activities.
Within EAP 103 and EAP 104, sessional lecturers work with each other as a team along with the EAL Programs Coordinator and undergraduate/graduate teaching assistants. In each section, sessional lecturers are responsible for their component of the course along with shared guidance for the language learning labs, workshops, tutorials, co-curricular activities, and other related duties. Sessional lecturers also collaborate on developing and evaluating the final capstone project due during final exams week. A hallmark of the program is sessional lecturers hosting TEAL Post-baccalaureate certificate practicum students in their classes as part of their overall teaching assignment in Winter Term 1. It is expected that all sessional lecturers in W1 will host practicum students in their classrooms.
EAP courses are primarily delivered through an interactive face-to-face format with supplementary support provided through UBC’s online learning management system, Canvas. Sessional lecturers create impactful learning experiences for students through their transformative teaching practice. Highlights of expected teaching duties include:
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Preference will be given to applicants with a doctoral degree in TESOL, TESL, TEAL, Applied Linguistics, or a related field. A minimum of a master’s degree in one of the above or related fields (or a master’s degree in Education with a recognised TEAL, TESL, or TESOL certificate) is required. In all cases, relevant post-secondary teaching experience is necessary.
Successful applicants are scholar-practitioners who demonstrate educational leadership and expertise in teaching English for general academic purposes at the post-secondary level in multicultural and multilingual environments, including a theoretical understanding of the field and current knowledge of EAP research and practice as well as a commitment to incorporating Indigenous knowledges and perspectives in relevant and meaningful ways. This expertise further includes curriculum and materials development, learner-centred approaches, and content/theme-based instruction. A commitment to working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary EAL learning environment, intercultural communicative competence, and advanced English language skills are essential. Active and documented membership in a related scholarly and professional association (e.g., BC TEAL, ACLA, TESOL) is desirable. In addition to teaching face-to-face, instructors should be adept at online teaching and learning, familiar with online learning management systems, and able to use video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. Successful applicants are able to manage multi-access classrooms with some students joining online and other students joining in person, as required.
Applicants should forward a cover letter, curriculum vitae, recent teaching evaluations, and the contact information for three references to Dr. Scott Douglas, the OSE’s Director of EAL Programs, at scott.douglas@ubc.ca. In the case of new applicants, please also include a transcript of academic records. For all applications, indicate in the subject line that you are applying for the “EFP Sessional Lecturer Position.”
The deadline for applications is Monday June 20, 2025. All positions are subject to funding, enrolment, and operational factors.
The compensation rate per credit per period for the Okanagan School of Education, effective July 1, 2024, is $2,873.68, equalling $8,621.04 per three credit course (or the equivalent contact-hour component of the EFP).
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.