What is a Faculty Associate (FA)? Faculty Associates are normally seconded teachers from school districts and are responsible for the supervision of student teachers during their school placements. FAs work with faculty members to develop module programs for individual and group instruction. They maintain effective liaison between SFU's Faculty of Education and the public schools.
Professional Programs hires approximately 17-20 FAs annually. Interested in learning more about the position of Faculty Associate? Contact Susan Warren in Professional Programs at 778.782.4213 or email susan_warren@sfu.ca for additional information.
Becoming a Faculty Associate in the Professional Development Program The Professional Development Program (PDP) at SFU is an established teacher education program with a distinguished reputation. Within PDP, members of faculty, seconded school district personnel and classroom teachers work collegially to create the highest quality educational experiences for student teachers. We are dedicated to the development of outstanding teachers—ethically responsible, competent professionals who are committed to preparing children to live as decent, informed, knowledgeable participants in a democratic and pluralistic society.
General Responsibilities Pairs of Faculty Associates have two primary responsibilities—the development of the module's program in partnership with a Faculty Member and the supervision of student teachers during their practicum assignments. Faculty Associates also provide individual and group instruction in exploring theory and practice with the students in their module. They are also responsible for maintaining effective liaison between the Faculty of Education and the public schools.
Faculty Associates are required to drive considerable distances as the program makes use of practicum placements throughout the lower mainland. The Faculty of Education welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds that reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
Selection Criteria Selection of candidates is made based on at least the following criteria:
Appointments are normally made final by the middle of March, so that a leave of absence from a school district may be arranged. The first year appointment may be extended for a second term, if staffing requirements permit. Candidates should note that the selection for these positions is highly competitive.
The Term The 9-month appointment usually begins the middle of August. The normal method of appointment is by secondment from a school district.
The Faculty Associate as Supervisor of Student Teachers Supervision of student teachers during the practicum stages of the PDP (Education 401 and 405) is the shared responsibility of Faculty Associates and School Associates. The Faculty Associate assumes the role of mentor and guide, rather than inspector and judge. Under such supervisory guidance, student teachers are helped to take major steps in their professional development. Faculty Associates also provide an important liaison between the Faculty of Education and the public school system. They help to clarify the responsibilities of the School Associate who plays a pivotal role in the preparation of student teachers.
Faculty Associates visit schools regularly, deal with a range of challenging supervisory situations and develop open and collegial relationships with teachers and School Associates.
The Faculty Associate as Instructor and Seminar Leader Teams of Faculty Associates, working in cooperation with a member of faculty, are jointly responsible for creating viable module programs that promote the study of the literature of education and the examination of educational issues. They also organize and offer curriculum workshops, and introduce students to a vast array of educational resources. Faculty Associates play important roles in helping students to make meaning of the vast and complex world of educational practice, and to have this meaning informed by extensive study of the literature and by thoughtful, reflective discourse
Program Outline The Professional Development Program (PDP) at Simon Fraser University is a 12-month (three semester) teacher education program that incorporates practical experience and university coursework, in approximately equal proportions. Upon successful completion of the program, students are recommended to the College of Teachers for a British Columbia Teaching Certificate.
The Faculty of Education at SFU operates on a differentiated staffing model. In addition to faculty members (Professors), experienced teachers (Faculty Associates and School Associates) play various roles in the program. Faculty Associates are teachers who are seconded to the university for a temporary appointment. School Associates are the teachers in whose classrooms student teachers are placed during Education 401/2 and 405. The year-long program consists of the following three stages:
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