SIA-CTLAHFoundations in Effective Academic Communication - Fall

CTLA
01H3, Foundations in Effective Academic Communication - SIA

This highly interactive course for English Language Learners is designed to fast-track the development of critical thinking, reading, writing and oral communication skills. Through the emphasis on academic writing and rapid expansion of vocabulary, students will gain practical experience with university-level academic texts and assignment expectations. In this learner-centered course designed to help students challenged by academic English accelerate the development of critical thinking, reading, writing and oral communication skills in academic contexts, there is a strong emphasis on building a learning community that is inclusive, mutually beneficial and has multidirectional communication that promotes active and voluntary learning.

For a full course description see:

Posting Date: July 21st, 2026

Closing Date: July 28th, 2026

Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough

Department: UTSC:
Ctr-Teaching & Learning

Estimated Enrolment: 40

Number of Positions: Up to Two (2)

Size of Appointment (hours): Up to 70 hours

Session: Fall 2026

Salary: $55.25 per hour + 4% vacation pay

Appointment Dates: September 8, 2026 to December 22, 2026

Practicum Dates: September 16, 2026 - November 11, 2026

Practicum Times: Wednesdays, 11:00am
-12:00pm and/or 12:00-1:00pm (In-person)

Office

Hours:

To be arranged

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field; a minimum of 3 years of experience teaching at a university; evidence of ability to support the development of critical thinking and academic communication skills (especially academic writing) of multilingual university students who have significant needs related to English for Academic Purposes; relevant experience teaching writing one-on-one and/or teaching in university courses with a significant writing instruction component;

demonstrated ability and high level of comfort discussing and teaching grammar to students in university courses; excellent communication and motivational skills, demonstrated ability to be perceived as highly approachable by students; and demonstrated ability to create a lively, highly motivating learning environment and sustain students’ interest in learning (as reflected through student attendance and engagement throughout the semester).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting student learning through an online environment; training in writing, education or applied linguistics would be a great asset; experience working with a diverse group of students and training in second-language instruction at the university level; demonstrated evidence of active involvement in research in the field of second language writing; experience with teaching that involves critical Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy with specified use of Generative AI in achieving course goals;

a demonstrated ability and experience using Canvas (Quercus); and knowledge and experience using web conferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Previous experience is more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.

Relevant Criterion

Previous experience is the more relevant criterion than the need to acquire experience in respect of this posted position.

Description Of Duties

The Sessional Instructional Assistant will prepare motivating and stimulating materials that engage students in dynamic and interactive learning during practicums, provide constructive feedback and encourage confidence-building participation that develops students’ competence in academic oral and written communication. The special focus on rapid expansion of core vocabulary and academic writing provides the foundation and practical experience for students to cope effectively with university-level academic texts and assignment expectations.

Students will engage actively in collaborative peer learning through consistent engagement with cell group interactions, Peer Scholar interactions, assigned group work outside class as well as through online learning.

Responsible for leading one or two, in-person practicum session(s) per week on…