Department: Faculty of Education

Job Type: Continuing

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year)

Campus: Waterloo

Reports to: Senior Administrative Officer, Education

Employee Group: Management

Application Deadline: April 4, 2024

Requisition ID: 7402

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 19,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Our locations are situated on the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. We recognize the unique heritages of Indigenous peoples and support their intentions to preserve and express their distinctive Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge through academic programming and co-curricular activities. Laurier’s Centre for Indigegogy is one example of how Laurier honours Indigenous knowledge.

Position Summary

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Education (Faculty) offers a Bachelor of Education (BEd), Teaching Option (TO), Education Minor (EM) and a Bachelor of Arts in International Education Studies (IES) as ‘undergraduate programs’.

The BEd program is a professional program accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and includes multiple mandatory experiential learning placements. The IES program includes two experiential learning placements, one local and one international. The Teaching Option program includes two placements within core courses.

The Manager of Education Programs will be responsible for the operations of the education programs (BEd, IES, EM/TO) including both academic and experiential learning/practicum components) with support from the Associate Dean and Chairs/Coordinators of each program.

The experiential learning placements provide students with an opportunity to translate and integrate theoretical knowledge learned through coursework with the realities of authentic teaching and learning environments. The placements are credit-based and are mandatory for completion of the BEd and IES programs respectively.

The purpose of these experiential learning experiences is to provide students with the opportunity to practice and integrate values, knowledge and skills related to education into educational learning environments. Bachelor of Education practicum experiences comprise approximately 115 days in school settings for students, in addition to 10 days (or 60 hours) of alternative/international/intercultural experiences. In the International Education Studies program, the experiential learning placement in year two is about 20 hours and the international placement in year three is about 4-6 weeks in length. The placements in the Teaching Option program are approximately 20-30 hours each during two online courses.

Major functions of this position are to (1) provide management necessary to recruit and develop local, national and international students and related experiential learning opportunities (2) manage the processes for matching students to placements, (3) provide leadership to the staff administering the BEd, Teaching Option, Education Minor, IES, as well as practicum staff, and IES assistant who will be supporting students and external partners (4) ensure that the activities and courses of undergraduate programs are undertaken in accordance with the governance, policy and regulatory frameworks of WLU and the OCT.

The Faculty of Education undergraduate programs strive to be student centered, providing students with academic and experiential learning experiences that are supportive, diverse, and realistic in their representation of educational practice. The incumbent is responsible for the advancement of the Experiential Learning strategy of the FOE programs in collaboration with the Associate Dean: BEd and Undergraduate Program and Program Chairs in alignment with FOE strategic plan, Laurier University strategic plans and direction, and OCT standards.

In order to ensure its effective functioning, the incumbent is responsible for making effective use of all staffing, university and community resources, and working with related departments. This position seeks opportunities for collaboration and joint working with the FOE leadership team and others within the Faculty of Education, the broader University, and the Community.

The position requires the incumbent to use advanced knowledge and skill from several methodological perspectives regarding diverse educational placements including: schools, community organizations, Ministry of Education/OCT program and policy development, and administration, in order to research, recruit and develop experiential learning/practicum placement opportunities for BEd/IES/EM/TO students. The incumbent manages the entire experiential learning placement student experience ensuring a safe and healthy environment (in-person and virtual) for both staff and students, and full compliance with health and safety requirements.

The Manager of Education Programs (undergraduate) facilitates the interaction of several diverse groups – faculty, students, school administrators, instructors, associate teachers, community organizations, international schools, staff and faculty.

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based in either Waterloo or Brantford with expectations with occasional travel to both campuses. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at all WLU campuses. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations.

Accountabilities

Recruitment and Strategic Partnership Management

• Initiates, develops and sustains strategic partnerships and opportunities for collaboration with school boards, agencies and community partners to ensure sustainability of programs and student placements;
• Creates appropriate agreements with site hosts such as school boards, agencies, international schools; Researches sites for appropriate and innovative experiential learning opportunities based on the Faculty of Educations’ curriculum requirements and professional standards;
• Recruits partners in a systematic and official approach to assess, develop and approve experiential learning placements;
• Manages recruitment processes for students in all programs;
• Approves placements for student learning using OCT accreditation guidelines and FOE programs’ curricula;
• Collaborates with colleagues in Community & Workplace Partnerships in the development of placements as appropriate.

Student Preparation, Development and Evaluation

• Responsible for development and presentation of information for prospective students who are interested in applying to the education programs in collaboration with BEd, Teaching Option and Education Minor, practicum staff; and respective academic leadership teams;
• Oversees the development and presentation of information for orientation programs for incoming students to prepare them for experiential learning and supervision of practice;
• Oversees the education of students regarding expectations, goals, assessment and protocols of the Faculty of Education undergraduate programs and the placement organization;
• Reviews and proposes revisions to FOE programs and Experiential Learning placement policies;
• Participates in research studies related to Experiential Learning development, as appropriate.
• Oversees and responsible for all BEd, EM/TO and IES students per semester on placement;
• Prepares students from diverse backgrounds, both individually and collectively, for placement learning;
• Ensures that equitable opportunities are made available to students to support their learning goals, with accommodations as necessary and appropriate;
• Oversees the development and presentation of preparatory workshops to ensure that adequate preparation for practicum and ongoing application of theory to practice is available for students;
• Oversees matching process for students based on requirements of the BEd/IES programs, learning goals/interests, accessibility issues and OCT accreditation requirements;
• Oversees the implementation of accommodations for students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities acts and FOE
• Policy/Practices, in association with the Laurier Accessible Learning Centre;
• Oversees the implementation of accommodations for religious purposes for students in accordance with WLU policies and procedures;
• Manages and coordinates the relationships amongst students, school boards, administrators, agency directors and instructors to ensure a successful placement experience;
• May provide ethical and professional advice and supportive counseling to assist students who are struggling to be successful in placement.
• Develops and supports appeal processes including petitions, placement change requests and other student requests for exemptions to policy and practice;
• Oversees individualized readiness and action plans for students as required and monitors and supervises the supports to students throughout this process.

International/Intercultural Student Placements

• Collaborates with Laurier International and international agencies working with our students to approve sites and determine and implement appropriate placement supports;
• Oversees and makes final decisions on matching FOE students to appropriate sites based on multiple factors;
• Oversees the supports provided to international placement students to ensure the site is appropriate and learning goals are being met;
• Networks with international agencies to recruit and develop sites appropriate WLU standards.
• Oversees the planning and coordination of international/intercultural placements;
• Manages the communication and coordination of WLU policies regarding travel in conjunction with Laurier International and SHERM.

Staff Training and Supervision

• In collaboration with the Dean/Associate Dean/Chairs of each program, manages and directs BEd, IES, EM/TO and Practicum Office staff to ensure adherence to Laurier, OCT and FOE standards to ensure beneficial learning experiences to students;
• The Manager is the first point of contact for Placement Officer and Program Coordinators staff with regards to issues with students. The incumbent provides direct support and regular feedback to determine, revise and maintain standards and handbooks/guides.
• Develops and coordinates BEd Faculty Advisor training programs, new advisor training;
• Supports Faculty Advisors and Placement Officers about students of concern, providing guidance and counselling; may work with student and advisor in the conflict resolution process;
• Provides counselling and mentorship to students experiencing difficulties in placement.
• Provides supervision and guidance to all staff related to undergraduate programs.

Planning and Development

• Establishes and monitors experiential learning policies, procedures, tools, and documentation to maintain a competitive/meaningful programs, mitigate risk and promote continuous improvement of the placement process within the framework of institutional experiential learning policies and processes;
• Establishes policies and procedures for approval by the FOE Divisional Council;
  Annually reviews BEd Practicum Handbook, BEd Alternative Placement Handbook and IES Placement Handbook to ensure they are current and up-to-date;
• Ensures Practicum Office Procedures Manual is current and updated.
• Oversees the development and facilitation of Program Orientation and placement workshops
• Initiates collaborative efforts with the BEd Practicum Program, the IES Curriculum Committee, University and community partners, representing the FOE in Experiential Learning Committee;
• Leads special projects for the purposes of, but not limited to, evaluation, research and development, environmental scans as well as strategic FOE projects and initiatives as required, including chairing working groups;
• Collaborates with the Career Development Centre to support students in their preparation for and transition to the workplace (e.g., job fair; workshops on resumé writing, interview skills, and networking; and individual appointments regarding career planning);
• Supports the development of experiential learning components for new courses and programs.

Administration

• Develops and manages a wide-range of administrative services and systems to support the effective operation of the FOE undergraduate programs.
• Reviews student performance evaluation documents to assess and respond to any identified learning problems.
• Manages marks submission for all Experiential Learning courses;
• Coordinates other WLU services (e.g., Accessible Learning, EOHS, SHERM);
• Comply with auditing, quality assurance procedures both internal and external;
• Comply with legal and safety requirements of WLU and school/agency/ international sites;
• Utilizes Laurier’s experiential learning portal, Navigator, to facilitate placement processes, maintain partner organization records, and track student placement records and evaluations;
• Collaborates with Experiential Learning & Career Development on inclusion of curricular and co-curricular experiential learning within the Faculty of Education on the Laurier Experience Record;
• Liaises and Coordinates with Ontario College of Teachers regarding practicum regulations and programs (e.g., Transitional Certificate requirements, Faculty Accreditation processes).

Leadership and Budget

• Exercises leadership, demonstrates vision, and empowers others in order to deliver FOE Undergraduate Programs;
• Requires ongoing knowledge acquisition through conferences, collegial networks and professional/academic literature on emerging theories and practices in the field of education.
• Understands and applies human resources policies, labour laws and best practices for staff recruitment and development;
• In collaboration with the Dean/Associate Dean, provides oversight and direction to the Practicum Office, BEd, Teaching Option, Education Minor, and IES staff.
• Provides regular performance appraisals, probationary reviews and directly supervise the Placement Officers and Program Coordinators/Advisors/Assistants.
• In collaboration with the SAO, provides day-to-day functional guidance to BEd, EM/TO and IES staff
• With the approval of the SAO, authorizes purchases, expenditures, and budget transfers for the FOE Experiential Learning budget and oversees disbursement of funds;
• Oversees, manages, and monitors the honorarium payments to Associate Teachers;
• Monitors and approves travel expenditures for Practicum Office staff.
• Monitors and evaluates operational effectiveness and suggests changes required for improvement.
• Serves as the contact with the Human Resources Department, and is responsible for hiring, human resource planning and resolution of human resources related issues for staff;
• Serves as the contact with other related WLU Departments such as Experiential Learning & Career Development, Accessible Learning, SHERM, CPAM, International Office, and Legal Services.

Committee Administration

• Chairs weekly Practicum Office Meetings and monthly Practicum Advisory Committee
• Participates on BEd Program Committee, Dean’s Advisory Committee, Experiential Learning Working Group, Faculty of Education Divisional Council, IES Curriculum Committee, Petitions and Appeals Committee, Teaching Option Committee

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education degree and Master’s degree.
• Minimum five years of professional leadership experience in educational settings;
• Administration, supervisory and/or management experience required;
• Proven strong project management experience;
• Experience with post-secondary experiential learning programs preferred.
• Experience with contract management and risk-management an asset.
• Knowledge of Ontario College of Teachers
• Knowledge of post-secondary education

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills;
• Demonstrated ability to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive work environment;
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing student experience and success through the lenses of equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization;
• Superior time and project management skills, ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands; Excellent delegation skills;
• Demonstrated leadership ability including team building, supervisory and training skills and a consultative management style;
• Ability to set and communicate clear vision and expectations for undergraduate programs and individual performance;
• Demonstrated strong administration, computing, written and oral communication skills.
• Medium to Advanced computer skills, including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Zoom, Qualtrics, and databases (Navigator);
• Strong ability to utilize and learn technology to facilitate ongoing experiential learning development;
• Superior initiative, judgement, and problem-solving skills;
• Must be able to work independently;
• Ability to excel in a team setting and work collaboratively;
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions preferred;
• Knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion approaches;
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a car is required to travel;
• Ability to work irregular hours throughout the year;
• Must have very good ambassadorial and diplomatic skills and present professional image of the Faculty at all times.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time, continuing position. The normal hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Compensation

$68,973 to $94,838.

Broad salary ranges include a hiring range ($68,973 - $77,595 of range midpoint), a target range ($77,596 - $94,838 of range midpoint), and a premium range ($94,839 -$107,770 of range midpoint).

When new employees are hired the appropriate base salary is determined using these sub-ranges as a guide while adhering to rules on hiring as defined in our compensation policy. Considerations for new hire salaries include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.