Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream - Museum Studies

University of Toronto, Faculty of Information

Application Deadline: January 24, 2023

The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto invites applications for one (1) full-time teaching stream faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in the area of museum studies. 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 information and museum professionals and academic leaders, who join us in transforming society through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge creation.

We are guided by core values that include engagement with cultural, social, political, and ethical issues in information and museums to benefit society and transparency, accountability, and public responsibility. With an outstanding complement of award-winning faculty members, our key strengths are the quality of our interdisciplinary research, the abilities of our graduate students, close ties across the university, and a committed alumni community. Our strategic priorities are excellence through interdisciplinarity, impact through partnerships, and equity through fostering inclusive environments. The Faculty of Information is especially proud of the calibre, excellence, academic engagement, and diversity of the students it recruits, admits, and graduates.

Applicants must have a graduate degree in a relevant field, (e.g. history, anthropology, education, information, cultural studies, Indigenous studies, environmental studies, classics, etc.).

Candidate must have either:

• a Ph.D. by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, which can focus on but is not limited to the professional areas of exhibition development, audience engagement, education and programming, curation (incl. art interventions and public art), collections, interpretation, management and leadership, social media and technologies. A PhD is strongly preferred.

• or a Master’s degree by the time of appointment, plus at least six years of significant professional experience in a related field (see below).

Professional work experience of at least six years is required for candidates with a Master's degree and can be demonstrated through a proven record of creative practice and/or leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion in museums and heritage with deliverables such as: design of racial equity policy documents and plans, application of inclusive exhibition development practices, collaborative projects, innovation in museum education, programming and participatory practices, consulting, or community heritage-related initiatives. Candidates with a PhD as well as professional work experience should reflect on their professional work experience of creative practice and/or leadership referencing the same types of deliverables. Candidates must also have a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching. We seek candidates whose teaching interests complement our existing, interdisciplinary pedagogical strengths, and who have a demonstrated record of teaching excellence in one or more of the following areas: climate justice, sustainability, and museum futures; queer museology and transgender studies; activism, advocacy, and anti-racism; museums addressing social exclusions; transitional justice; critical approaches to accessibility and disability in arts and culture; global heritage initiatives (incl. monuments and memorials); difficult knowledge and heritages, including those of equity deserving communities; equity and digital transformations.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose lived experiences adds depth and understanding to their professional and academic activities. Applicants should demonstrate intellectual curiosity and drive to pursue innovative pedagogical methods and interest in being part of a teaching community. The successful candidate will join a Faculty with an established community of teaching stream faculty, a commitment to work-integrated and experiential learning, where teaching and learning are seen as central to the scholarly enterprise, and where there are extensive supports for teaching at both the university - and faculty-level.

Teaching stream faculty members are expected to combine their expertise in the discipline with best practices in teaching to create rich learning environments that embrace diversity, promote equity, and integrate cutting-edge teaching approaches in a manner that challenges students to develop skills and ethics to be leading citizens. The successful candidate will also be expected to perform standard professional and administrative activities typical of an academic unit, and to collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development. The successful candidate will be expected to enrich decolonial and social justice-informed aspects of the curriculum and develop and teach innovative courses that make a positive difference towards equity, diversity and inclusion in museums and heritage.

Candidates must have teaching experience, including lecture preparation and delivery, and curriculum development. Additionally, candidates must possess a demonstrated commitment to excellent and innovative pedagogical practices, as well as publications on pedagogical approaches and an engagement in teaching-related scholarly activities.

Evidence of excellence in teaching and a commitment to excellent pedagogical inquiry can be demonstrated through a mix of teaching accomplishments, awards and accolades, presentations at significant conferences, workshops, panels and events organized, peer reviewed publications, other pedagogical or tutorial materials and activities (e.g., multimedia assets), evidence of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), strong letters of reference, and the teaching dossier submitted as part of the application that should 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 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 24, 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.

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