Instructor, Advanced Certificate in Indigenous Early Childhood Education

Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

The Instructor will be responsible for the delivery of five Advanced online courses in Early Childhood Education (ECE) programming and attending in-person land based activities with students. The Instructor will play an important role in the recruitment and evaluation of the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process for INECE Advanced programming. As an employee of SIIT, this position will positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission and mandate.

General Accountability

The Instructor will be responsible for coordinating, delivering, and facilitating all online program components for five Advanced ECE courses and attending in-person land-based activities. The Instructor will deliver programming while creating an environment that guides and ensures each student is successful. The Instructor keeps current with developments in subject areas, resources, and methods and makes relevant changes to plans and activities to suit the individual needs of their students.

The Instructor will also be responsible for supporting eligible students through the program using the PLAR Framework, an independent study, credit granting alternative to attending in-class online for individuals with previously gained training, knowledge and experience. The Instructor will act as mentor to guide these particular students through a series of knowledge demonstration exercises. The Instructor will be responsible for delivering a specific program according to the needs of the community, funding agency, or employer. Working collaboratively with staff and community contacts, the Instructor demonstrates a strong commitment to creating and maintaining a creative and positive learning environment and experience for students. The position includes the following broad range of accountabilities:

Specific Accountabilities

Instruction and Administration

• Instruct five Early Childhood Education Advanced courses: Land Based Learning I, Indigenous Studies, Incorporating Indigenous Languages in Early Childhood Settings, Indigenous Story Telling and Literacy Development, Land Based Education II
• Prepare lesson plans and appropriate delivery methods, following the curricular outcomes provided
• Use appropriate methods of facilitation, modeling, and coaching to facilitate learning
• Work closely with students to identify their barriers and guide them to determine appropriate solutions
• Provide assistance, guidance, referrals, and information to participants as required for each program
• Accommodate eligible students using the PLAR process, assessing previously gained knowledge and competencies
• Create and maintain all course-related materials including evaluations, attendance records, and course evaluations
• Incorporate digital literacy within all aspects of the program, where applicable
• Make recommendations to modify course objectives, course outlines, curriculum, and evaluation procedures, where applicable
• Keep current and relevant in applicable teaching areas, educational standards, industry trends, and best practices
• Assist with the planning and coordination of other employment preparation skill-building certificate training
• Maintain program data and complete reports in a timely manner
• Provide career information and assist participants with identifying their skills and strengths in a portfolio
• Apply strength-based approaches to facilitate the social competence of participants
• Adhere to and promote SIIT policies and procedures
• Provide assistance in locating practicum placements
• Supervise students while completing their practicum placements
  
  

Student Success

• Respect, honour, and acknowledge the uniqueness of each student including their unique languages, cultures, traditions, histories, as well as prior learning and life experiences
• Create and maintain a creative and positive learning environment that provides the opportunity for meaningful learning and skill development
• Develop and maintain respectful relations using problem-solving and constructive resolution of student issues, and if necessary, recommend action to the applicable supervisor regarding participant behaviour
• Ensure a positive, diverse, inclusive work and learning environment
  
  

Partnering & Relationship Building

• Network and build relationships with appropriate employment agencies, networks, and employers in the community
• Develop a familiarity with the labour market in the region
• Research existing employment and volunteer opportunities in the specific region, network and communicate with potential employers
• Plan a project in collaboration with participants to facilitate the development and practice of workplace skills
• Link participants to work placements or volunteer opportunities
  
  

PLAR Responsibilities

• Responsible for the PLAR shells and uploading assignments to Brightspace
• Weekly check ins with students; 15-minute meetings each week
• Check in with students experiencing barriers and assist with solutions to barriers
• Meet with PLAR Assessors regularly
• Participate in monthly wrap-around meetings
• Provide career information and advice to students
• Notify students of potential professional development opportunities relevant to students
• Supervise students when doing practicums through PLAR
• Advise students on assignments as needed

Required Qualifications and Experience: A Bachelor of Education degree or Level III ECE Certification is required. Two (2) years of related experience in facilitating or teaching and experience and knowledge of local and provincial labour markets, educational institutes, and community resources. Experience working with Microsoft Office suite of programs is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations would be an asset. An understanding of adult learning theories and principles is considered an asset. For success in this position a genuine commitment to help clients learn and succeed is required. The successful candidate will be required to provide a cleared criminal record check with vulnerable sector check upon hire.

This position will work remotely and have irregular working hours during the day and in the evenings. This program will be facilitated online for students through our learning management system. In-person attendance will be required for land-based activities.

As this position is considered safety sensitive, the incumbent will be subject to testing as per SIIT's Alcohol and Substances policy.

Required Competencies: Flexible and Adaptable, Effective Communication, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Student Focus, Communication (Instructional), Knowledge and Expertise, Teamwork.

Dates of Contract: October 15, 2024 - June 27, 2025