Sessional Lecturer - URB433H1S - Special Topics in Urban Studies Housing and Homelessness II​ (0.50)

Date Posted: 10/14/2026
Req ID: 50528
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Department of Geography and Planning
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:
Course Description: Students will explore the various theories related to frontline service providers, specifically those with lived experience in the homelessness-serving sector in Canada. In this course, students will examine the intersectionality of frontline staff with lived experiences and the complexities of navigating a barrier-burdened system. Based on the book, Behind the Frontline, students will explore relevant themes associated with homelessness, addiction, mental health, employment, barriers to accessing non-judgement support, systematic stigmatization, dual advocacy, and self-care. Additionally, discussion about the motivation to enter and/or stay in social service work, men’s mental health, The state of the non-profit section in Toronto, what it means to be a front-line worker (definition, job description formal, job description actual) and the Opioid crisis.

Estimated Course Enrollment:

28

Estimated TA Support:

None

Class Schedule:

Thursday | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Sessional dates of Appointment:

January 01, 2027 to April 30, 2027

Salary:

Sessional Lecturer (FCE 0.50): SL I: $9997.48, SL I - Long Term: $10699.22, SL II: $10699.22, SL II - Long Term: $10953.96, SL III: $10953.96, SL III - Long Term: $11228.90

Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Qualifications (Minimum): MA in related field, at least 5 years of experience teaching at the university level, at least 5 years of experience marking undergraduate essays, evidence of recent teaching effectiveness, ability to teach online, if required.

Qualifications (Preferred): A PhD in Geography or a related field is preferred.

Brief description of duties: The Sessional Lecturer will develop a detailed syllabus, teach the full course, conduct all grading and prepare and submit all final marks. In addition, the Sessional Lecturer will hold office hours each week, and answer student questions by email and/or appointment.

TO APPLY:

Closing Date and Procedure for pool members to indicate interest in being considered for the position: to apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (if had previous teaching assignments), the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Application Form, and names of two possible references by November 05, 2026 to:

OFFICE OF THE CHAIR

Department of Geography and Planning

5050-100 St. George Street

Toronto, ON

M5S 3G3

Email:

Closing Date: 11/04/2026, 11:59PM EDT
**

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. 

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous. Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.