Continuing Education Instructor (SMCE3003 Faith and Food)

The renewal and expansion of the Continuing Education Division of the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) began in the fall of 2023 and is continuing to build momentum. Building on the strong historical foundations of Continuing Education at St. Michael’s College, the Division is re-establishing the organizational structure supported by a small staff to strengthen existing programs and to develop and deliver new programs aligned with the strategic plan and mission of the university to meet the contemporary career progression needs and general interests of students, alumni, the Catholic education community and the broader community.

We currently offer professional programs in three areas: Social Responsibility & Sustainability, Interfaith Dialogue, and Ontario certified teacher qualifications as well as a number of general interest courses in areas relevant to the academic and intellectual traditions of our institution, including Irish language and culture, book arts and printmaking, poetry and creative expression, faith formation, and children’s literature and social justice.

Faith can inform what we eat in meaningful ways: what we eat where and when, and how and who we eat it with can all be important ways of communicating our values and beliefs, and how we relate to each other within our communities. From how we use food in celebrating holidays to how we bless it around the table to the role of religious and cultural laws and global histories that shape what’s on our plates, food plays a key role in how we can learn about and experience each other’s faith traditions.

In this course, learners will visit a new place of worship each week and prepare and share a meal together with the host congregation. In this way, we will learn about and experience each other’s cultures and flavours, explore each other’s spaces, and hear about the ways that faith and fellowship are practiced across Toronto. Each week, learners will also complete required readings and may complete optional reflections intended to inform their experiences at each place of worship.

As the instructor, your role will be to evaluate learners’ culminating assessment for this unique course. There is no direct onsite or virtual instruction. The final assessment will synthesize learning from the sessions and critically analyze the intersections of theory and experience.

• A graduate degree in religious studies, theology, interfaith studies, or a related field.
• Experience teaching courses related to religious diversity, interfaith dialogue, or multiculturalism.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive environments and promoting social justice.
• Educational background that includes theology, experiential learning, comparative religion/pluralism or similar study.

• Assess a final reflective assignment intended to synthesize learning and create space for critical engagement with theory and practice

Attention: Manager of Program Development & Delivery

Application Process: To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, demonstrating your experience in teaching and facilitating interreligious dialogue.

Application process and timeline:

Please submit a cover letter and CV by June 18, 2025

Contact Information: For inquiries or to submit your application, please contact the Continuing Education Division (ce.stmikes@utoronto.ca).

Join us in building a promising future.