University of Toronto, Faculty of Information
Application Deadline: January 10, 2023
The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time teaching stream position at the rank of Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in the area of Library and Information Science (LIS). The appointment is expected to begin July 1, 2023.
The Faculty of Information (iSchool) at the University of Toronto is a research-led Faculty, committed to educating the next generation of professionals and academic leaders who transform society through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge creation in Information.
We are guided by core values that include engagement with cultural, social, political, and ethical issues in Information that benefit society. With an outstanding complement of award-winning faculty, our key strengths are the quality of interdisciplinary scholarship, the curiosity and ambition of our students, our close ties across the university, and a deeply committed alumni network. Our strategic priorities are excellence through interdisciplinarity, impact through partnerships, and equity through fostering inclusive environments.
The successful candidate will join a Faculty with an established community of teaching-stream colleagues, where teaching and learning are understood as central to the scholarly enterprise, and where there are extensive supports for teaching and pedagogical inquiry at both the university - and Faculty-level. Applicants must have an ALA-accredited Master’s degree by the time of application, and a terminal degree in a related area by the time of appointment or shortly thereafter. A PhD in Library and Information Science (LIS) or a related field in strongly preferred. Candidates must also have a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching. We seek applicants with a comprehensive foundation in the field of LIS who can teach across the required curriculum, and take ownership over its evolution. Their teaching and scholarship should align with evolving professional values and practices, such as Information justice and equity, social responsibility, critical LIS, community engagement, and information literacy, to complement the Faculty strengths. Professional work experience would be an asset.
Applicants should demonstrate intellectual curiosity and drive to pursue innovative pedagogical methods and an interest in being part of a teaching community. The successful candidate will be expected to combine their expertise in the discipline with innovative teaching practice to create rich learning environments that embrace diversity, promote equity, and challenge students to develop skills and ethics to be leading citizens in the LIS fields. The position includes standard professional and administrative activities typical of an academic unit, such as collaboration with LIS colleagues on curriculum development and mentoring of MI students.
Evidence for excellence in teaching can be demonstrated through a diverse range of evidence in the teaching dossier submitted as part of the application: teaching accomplishments, awards, conferences presentations, workshops, panels and events organized, curricular materials, peer reviewed publications, or other pedagogical or tutorial materials and activities (e.g., multimedia assets); as well as strong letters of reference.
The teaching dossier submitted as part of the application should also include a strong teaching statement, sample syllabi, course materials, and teaching evaluations. Teaching excellence will be evaluated commensurate with the career stage of the candidate, taking into consideration the individual circumstances of each candidate’s life trajectory and any special circumstances (e.g., career interruptions) as outlined in the submitted materials.
As part of the University of Toronto, the Faculty of Information offers the opportunity to teach, research, and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. We seek candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment through their application materials. Candidates therefore must submit a statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): teaching or research that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applications must include:
a cover letter;
a current curriculum vitae;
a detailed teaching dossier including a statement of teaching philosophy, a summary of teaching experience, interests, and accomplishments, sample syllabi, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations;
a statement of contributions to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (as outlined above); and,
three letters of reference, to be submitted by the referees (see below).
Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto's recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each once an application is submitted (this happens overnight). Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references are submitted (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date. At least one reference letter must primarily address the candidate’s teaching.
All application materials must be submitted online via this link. Submission guidelines can be found at: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. If you have questions about this position, please contact dean.ischool@utoronto.ca. The closing date for applications is January 10, 2023 and all application materials, including reference letters, must be received by then. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.
Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.
The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.