CBC IDEAS podcast interviews Kamal Al-Solaylee

The School of Journalism, Writing, and Media seeks to fill 1 Graduate Teaching Assistant positions for the 2026 Winter academic session. Current UBC 2-year master of Journalism students are eligible to apply to assist with the following course:

GTAs will need to be located in Vancouver and available to be on campus to perform duties as required.

Qualifications:

Current student in the MJ Program, preferably an individual who has completed a year in the MJ program. The successful candidates must have content expertise in the section(s) they are assigned and be able to: take direction and then work independently; demonstrate organization and proficiency in managing multiple, complex tasks, some of which will be time-sensitive; communicate in timely and effective ways with students, instructors, and JWAM staff; undertake all responsibilities with integrity and professionalism, including working with student data.

At a minimum, the applicant must have successfully completed coursework relevant to the particular course(s) applying for. Familiarity with the profession and practice of journalism required. Prior teaching experience is recommended. Knowledge of Canvas, online classrooms (Zoom), and video editing software are assets, but all TAs will receive paid training.

Duties will include the following:

GTA 1or 2

1. Providing office hours for students in the course
2. Presenting material/lecturing (e.g., leading discussions/answering questions)
3. Conducting/holding review or tutorial sessions
4. Assisting students with activities during lectures
5. Corresponding with students via email; answering student questions on online discussion boards or by email; report issues observed during regular activities, such as academic misconduct, problems with assignments or students struggling with course material; monitoring and responding to student FAQs;
6. Attend lectures and complete the corresponding readings
7. Supporting students to innovate with technologies
8. Participating in the editorial process along with students as they produce works of journalism
9. Creating, monitoring, and managing discussion forums
10. Tracking student attendance and/or participation and engagement on Canvas and in lectures
11. Marking/grading and managing formative and summative assignments; providing feedback on assignments (e.g., setting up discussion threads, quizzes);
12. Helping students deal with technical issues/liaising with JWAM Staff and Arts ISIT;
13. Helping instructors managing the course Canvas site, including creation of quizzes, rubrics, calendar entries, assignment submissions, module management, calendar
14. Compiling and interpreting data from student surveys and feedback forms

Hours of work: Varies by course, up to 12 hours per week for 16 weeks (192 hours) for a full-time TA position.

Please note that TA positions can range from 25% to 100%, with hours and duties scaled accordingly.

Salary:

GTA 1 $40.16/hour, ($1,927.54 per month at 100%)
GTA 2 $38.65/hour, ($1,855.33 per month at 100%)

Application: A letter of application including your curriculum vitae, all contact information, your degree program and year of study, and description of experience in the discipline and specializations relevant to the positions for which you are applying.

Deadline for applications is August 5th, 2026.

Applications can be submitted here: https://jrnl.air.arts.ubc.ca/journalism-here-and-now/

Please note: Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by the posted deadline. All appointments are subject to budget approval and enrolment.

JWAM is committed to research and pedagogy that responds to and addresses historic inequities and therefore welcomes applicants who would contribute to our ongoing efforts to create an open and diverse community, one that fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged in the fields of journalism, writing, and academia in general.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.  An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.  We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. We encourage all qualified persons to apply.

For questions, contact Prasad Rane, Administrative Coordinator, at jwam.assistant@ubc.ca.