Sessional Instructor - Education (After Degree)

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders and citizens for the common good.

CUE campus is situated on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton’s historic Highlands neighborhood. Supporting a student body of nearly 3,000, we are known for our small class sizes and our excellence in teaching. Our small classes and diverse student population provide an excellent opportunity for engaging with students in a sustained and nurturing way unique within the Canadian university system. CUE is an institution that values research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and management. Our vision is to become Canada’s preeminent small university.

CUE is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for work, study, and living. We actively promote dignity for all, rejecting action and language that are harmful to mutual respect.

Winter Semester 2027

EDUC 523 Science Education for Elementary School (Year 2 B.Ed AD)

CUE is seeking a sessional instructor to teach EDUC 523 Science Education for Elementary School for our Year 2 students in the Bachelor of Education After Degree program. Ideally, the successful candidate will hold a doctoral or master’s degree in education with a strong background in teaching K-6 science.

Course description: The Elementary School Science Program (Alberta Education) and the two main areas of skill emphasis: science inquiry and problem-solving through technology. In science inquiry the focus is on asking questions and finding answers based on evidence; in problem solving through technology the focus is on practical tasks - finding ways to make and do things to meet a given need.

Course learning outcomes:

Enduring Understandings: By the end of this course, teacher candidates will understand that: High-quality science education is essential to the intellectual, social, and ethical development of students, including science literacy and critical thinking. Effective elementary science instruction is grounded in inquiry, curiosity, and meaningful engagement with the natural and constructed world. Science is a human endeavour shaped by culture, context, values, and relationships, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Teachers’ identities, beliefs, and professional judgment play a critical role in shaping students’ experiences of science learning.

Faculty of Education Learning Outcomes Alignment: This course contributes to the following Faculty of Education Learning Outcomes: Apply the requirements for teacher certification in the Province of Alberta. Commit to the teaching profession and strengthen professional identity as career-long learners. Teach effectively in a wide range of subject areas while integrating cross curricular connections. Adopt a duty to learn and act upon foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of EDUC 523, teacher candidates will be able to: Design inclusive, engaging elementary science learning environments aligned with the Alberta Science Program of Studies. Demonstrate understanding of the Alberta Science curriculum, including Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, and Attitudes (KUSPs), scientific vocabulary, competencies, and pedagogical foundations. Apply inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, STEM/STEAM, and land-based instructional strategies to support diverse learners in science. Critically examine current research in science education to inform instructional and assessment decisions. Analyze science as a socially constructed way of knowing within Science–Technology–Society (STS) contexts. Integrate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives and ways of knowing into elementary science instruction in respectful and meaningful ways. Articulate and refine a professional identity as a science educator grounded in ethical practice, reflective inquiry, and career-long learning. Select, evaluate, and justify the use of curriculum-aligned science resources, including Alberta Education materials, field experiences, community partnerships, and citizen science opportunities.

EDUC 523 supports the development of the following Alberta Teaching Quality Standard competencies: Fostering Effective Relationships - A teacher builds positive and productive relationships with students, parents/guardians, peers and others in the school and local community to support student learning. Engaging in Career-Long Learning - A teacher engages in career-long professional learning and ongoing critical reflection to improve teaching and learning. Demonstrating a Professional Body of Knowledge -A teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoire of effective planning, instruction, and assessment practices to meet the learning needs of every student. Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments - A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe. Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit - A teacher develops and applies foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit for the benefit of all students.

Monday / Wednesday (Jan 04 – April 24)
Three cohorts of students

• 08:00-09:15
• 09:20-10:35
• 10:40-11:55

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Dean, Education, the Sessional Instructor’s responsibilities include:

• Prepare and deliver weekly instructional lectures, assignments, and examinations relevant to the course taught;
• grade assignments and exams;
• provide constructive feedback to students, including effective individualized strategies to support student success;
• maintain regular office hours; and
• work collegially as a team member with the Department and Faculty leadership, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral or master’s degree or equivalent in Education, experience teaching Alberta K-6 science is an asset
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written is required;
• demonstrated empathetic approach to the instructional needs and concerns of students, is required;
• proficiency with Google Email and Apps, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is preferred;
• post-secondary teaching effectiveness as demonstrated through student evaluations would be an asset; and
• experience using a learning management system, such as Moodle, and familiarity with educational technologies, with an aptitude to learn other software as required, would be an asset.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Dr. Tim Cusack, Dean of Education, at [email protected]

Concordia University of Edmonton encourages applications from members of racialized groups, visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and others who may support a diversity of perspectives at CUE. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.