This course will consider various perceptions of the purpose and function of schooling, explore the culture of schools, and examine the characteristics and role of the teaching profession. The course is designed for students who are considering a teaching career, and for others interested in the social issues of schooling. 3 hours per week, full year, 1.0 credit
This course is taught online (asynchronous).
The Faculty of Education invites applications for a Limited Duties Instructor to teach Perspectives on Schooling, an interdisciplinary, undergraduate course. This course is intended for students from across faculties who are either considering a future in teaching or seeking to understand how schools function within broader societal structures.
The instructor will guide students through an introduction to the social, cultural, political, and historical contexts of education, with a focus on exploring how schools operate as institutions embedded in—and often reflective of—social inequality, cultural norms, and political agendas. Instruction will aim to provoke critical thinking about the teaching profession, school culture, and educational purpose, and will equip students with the conceptual tools to analyze current debates in Canadian schooling.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Design and deliver a course that examines the nature, purposes, and social contexts of schooling, informed by educational theory, policy, and personal reflection.
- Introduce students to key questions such as: What is the purpose of school? What roles do teachers play? How do schools reinforce or disrupt social norms?
- Facilitate critical discussion on topics such as: the structure and culture of schools, teacher identity and professionalism, schooling and social reproduction, access, equity, and the hidden curriculum, and the historical development of public schooling in Canada.
- Create assessments that allow students to reflect on their own educational experiences, analyze policy and social issues, and apply foundational concepts in education.
- Maintain regular communication with students and provide constructive, timely feedback.
- Collaborate with the Teacher Education office in the Faculty of Education as needed.