Fundamentals of Running an Architectural Practice Coming in 2022
The OAA is partnering with the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies (SCS) to create the new online course, Fundamentals of Running an Architectural Practice. The school is recruiting for two instructors to facilitate initial offerings of the course in winter 2022.
SCS will provide training to the instructors with respect to best practices for online teaching as well as the technical skills to use a range of online learning technologies. The school will also provide support to the instructor during the delivery phase. Course materials will include the extensive use of videos as well as live weekly webinar interviews/discussions. Candidate requirements are listed below.
There is a pre-course commitment of three to four hours for training. The course itself is 11 weeks long, with a weekly commitment of three to five hours, comprising hosting one-to two-hour synchronous webinars, responding to student questions, and working within the learning management system to post announcements and other materials as needed.
Online Instruction Responsibilities
• Lead the delivery of an online class in a manner that fosters a safe learning environment where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences that include
o Weekly synchronous webinars
o Daily monitoring of course discussion forums and student questions
o Coordination of interaction with course guest presenters and subject-matter experts;
• Collaborate with SCS staff weekly and/or as needed to facilitate communication, monitor, and adjust curriculum and instruction based on student needs;
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development, and provide appropriate feedback of student progress;
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students;
• Post course announcements to students;
• Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, peers, and community;
• Participate in SCS instructional meetings;
• Keep up to date with developments in subject area, teaching resources, and methods;
• Participate in training and presentations; and
• Provide recommendations to SCS staff on curriculum and learning enhancements, updates, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Required Experience & Qualifications
• OAA licensed architect with at least eight years of experience;
• Actively working within a small or large firm environment;
• Experience related to topical areas of the curriculum:
o Architects Act
o Business structures
o Risks and indemnity
o Organization and planning
o Finance
o Marketing
o Contracts
o Operations
o Organizational behaviour and leadership
o Project Management;
• Effective presentation skills in virtual environments (facilitating meetings, hosting webinars, etc.);
• Demonstrated effectiveness at teaching and/or mentoring adult students or professional colleagues;
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, online teaching technologies;
• Commitment to continuous improvement with respect to teaching skills, course content, and learning activities; and
• Openness to feedback and coaching from SCS, the OAA and students.
Send your resumé and a cover letter explaining your interest to Aubrae Wilson, SCS program director, at scs.talent@utoronto.ca. The deadline is November 15 at 5 pm.