Faculty Associates

OVERVIEW

General Responsibilities 

Working in pairs, faculty associates (FA) have two primary responsibilities: 

• The development of their module's program in partnership with a faculty member; and 
• The supervision of student teachers during the placement and practicum assignments.

FAs also provide individual and group instruction in theory and practice with their module (a small group of up to 32 student teachers) and maintain effective liaison between SFU's Faculty of Education and the public schools.

Please note that FAs may be required to drive considerable distances as the program makes use of placements throughout the lower mainland. 

Supervision of Student Teachers 

Supervising student teachers during the placement and practicum stages of the PDP (EDUC 401 and 405) is the shared responsibility of faculty associates (FA) and school associates (SA).

The FA 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. FAs also help to clarify the responsibilities of the SA who plays a pivotal role in the preparation of student teachers.

FAs are expected to visit schools regularly, deal with a range of challenging supervisory situations and develop open and collegial relationships with teachers and SAs.

Becoming a Faculty Associate 

At SFU, 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.

To support this, the Faculty of Education's Preservice Professional Studies hires approximately 10–12 faculty associates each year. This includes a mix of English- and French-speaking faculty associates. 

The Faculty of Education welcomes applicants who are from a variety of backgrounds that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. If you are interested in learning more about the position, we invite you to attend the next FA information session. 

Next Info Session (In-Person) – SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 at the SFU Surrey Campus

Learn how to become a faculty associate with SFU's Teacher Education programs with the Faculty of Education's Preservice Professional Studies.

SFU is an equity employer and fervently encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who might contribute to the university's rich diversity.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

SFU's teacher education programs use a unique staffing model, which sees faculty members, seconded school district personnel (faculty associates) and classroom teachers (school associates) work collegially to create the highest quality educational experience for student teachers. FAs are expected to visit schools regularly, deal with a range of challenging supervisory situations and develop open and collegial relationships with teachers and SAs. Working in pairs, faculty associates (FA) have two primary responsibilities: