Employment

The instructional team at the Department of World Languages and Literatures is a diverse group of dynamic and innovative professionals who share a common passion for delivering the best possible teaching methods to their classes.

All Sessional Instructor (SI), Teaching Assistant (TA), and Tutor Marker (TM) positions will be posted on the Central Job Postings Site.

Currently Seeking: General Instuctors and Head Instructors for WLL Summer Camps!

Sessional Instructors

There are currently no sessional instructor positions available.

Teaching Assistants (TAs)

Dates for SUMMER 2026 TA hires: May 8 - August 28, 2026
Job Postings up by: March 12, 2026
Application deadline: March 26, 2026
Semester starts: May 11, 2026

TA and TM positions are posted on the Central Job Postings Site ten weeks prior to the start of the semester: in March for the Summer, in July for the Fall, and in November for the Spring.

Please note: click on the course name and number in the table below to view the PDF with the details of the positions (times, days, etc.) and for information regarding how to apply, including the application form.

Course #	Course Name	Location	Tentative Schedule	Closing Date
JAPN 100 D200	Japanese I	Burnaby	Tue/Thur 2:30 - 4:20pm	March 26, 2026
SPAN 100 B102	Introductory Spanish I	Burnaby	Wed 12:30 - 2:20pm	March 26, 2026

Articles XIII (A) and XV (A) of the TSSU-SFU Collective Agreement list four TA/TM categories:

Graduate Teaching Assistant 1 (GTA 1). A GTA 1 must be registered at Simon Fraser University for a master's degree or as a qualifying student for a master's program.
Graduate Teaching Assistant 2 (GTA 2). A GTA 2 must be registered at Simon Fraser University for a doctoral degree or as a qualifying student for a doctoral program.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA). A UTA must be registered at Simon Fraser University in a program leading to teacher certification, a diploma or a bachelor's degree.
External Teaching Assistant (ETA). An ETA is a person who is not otherwise a full-time employee of the University and who is not a student in any of the categories referred to in a, b or c above.

The Program Director assigns TAs/TMs to courses based on necessity dictated by enrolment numbers. All posted positions are subject to change based on enrolment and budgetary authorization.

Priority of qualified applicants to TA and TM positions in the Department of World Languages and Literatures is in accordance with Article XIII and Article XV of the TSSU-SFU Collective Agreement. In hiring TAs or TMs, the Department of World Languages and Literatures considers the following applicants:

Qualified SFU graduate students
Currently registered WL Honours students
External and/or undergraduate applicants

Detailed Priority Criteria:

Applicant & Instructor Preference
According to the TSSU Collective Agreement Article XIII, section B: In order to be appointed, a person must have sufficient knowledge in the discipline of the course to interpret the course material.
Dollar value of financial support offered at the time of admission.
Number of base units already received to ensure sufficient teaching-related experience in the field of study.
Past ratings from TA evaluations.
Other previous teaching experience.
Funding for RAships, practicums, and internships.

Note: If an assignment within a priority group requires a selection between applicants, the graduate student without financial support from merit-based scholarships or fellowships with a value equal to at least 5.17 base units, will have priority for the appointment.

POLICIES

Equity
The University is committed to the principle of equity in employment.
(See Policy GP 19.)

Privacy
The information submitted with your application is collected under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468, s. 27(4)(a)), applicable federal and provincial employment regulations and requirements, the University's non-academic employment policies and applicable collective agreements.

The information is related directly to and needed by the University to initiate the employment application process. The information will be used to contact references supplied by you, evaluate your qualifications and complete the employment process by making a hiring decision. Applicant information may also be disclosed to the Teaching Support Staff Union in accordance with Article XIII F.3.1.a (iv) of the Collective Agreement.

If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of this information please contact the Associate VP, Human Resources, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6. Telephone 778-782-3237.

In an exciting new partnership, SFU's Department of World Languages and Literature is teaming up with SFU Camps for the first time in Summer 2026. If you enjoy having fun while facilitating hands-on learning experiences, this might be the perfect job for you!

The Camps

Forest Stories Camp

Inspired by children’s books from around the world, create your own forest story. Combining nature walking, storytelling, and book making, this camp will guide campers in writing and illustrating their own unique forest story. At the end of the week, campers will take home a book they made themselves as a keepsake. Physical activities and outdoor time such as hiking are included.

Chinese Language and Culture Discovery Camp

Dive into a week of language, culture, and fun at our Chinese Language Summer Camp! Kids explore beginner Mandarin through games and role play, then jump into hands-on cultural activities like dumpling making, Kung Fu, calligraphy, and traditional Chinese games. With sports, crafts, and a final showcase to celebrate their new skills, this immersive camp builds confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Japanese Language and Culture Discovery Camp

At our Japanese Language and Culture Camp, campers will start each day learning basic Japanese, including greetings, self-introductions, classroom phrases, and the first set of Hiragana letters. Afternoons are packed with playful cultural activities—from singing a traditional children’s greeting song and creating origami name tags, to playing the Hiragana card game and joining in energetic games like Don Jankenpon. Campers will also enjoy watching popular Japanese animations to see Japanese language and culture in action. This immersive camp makes language learning fun while introducing kids to Japanese traditions, creativity, and play!

Spanish Language and Culture Discovery Camp

The Spanish Language Summer Camp is a playful, immersive one-week program for children to explore the Spanish language through songs, art, and games. Each morning focuses on language learning through movement, music, and stories, while afternoons are dedicated to hands-on cultural projects inspired by Hispanic traditions—making piñatas, learning dances, and playing traditional games like Doña Blanca, Los quemados, and rayuela. Throughout the week, campers work in teams to build and decorate colorful piñatas, culminating on Friday in the joyful Fiesta Hispana, where families are invited to see their children perform and celebrate as the piñatas are broken.

Applications are currently OPEN for both General Instructors and Head Instructors in all four offerings—undergraduates in WL major and minor programs and language certificate holders are encouraged to apply!