Our Approach

Education in Canada is a success story. Study after study shows that our public schools are among the best in the world. But high overall quality masks deep inequality. Only 48 percent of First Nations youth living on reserve have a high school diploma. In the North, those numbers are even lower. And, too often, teachers arrive in northern First Nations without the preparation and support they need to succeed—and stay—in the classroom. The twin challenges of teacher supply and turnover compound historical injustice and systemic inequities to produce a statistical education gap between First Nations and non-First Nations communities.

Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada is a non-profit organization that works with northern First Nations to recruit, prepare, and support committed teachers who will increase student outcomes in the North. This model has been defined by First Nations community partners, our Circle of Advisors, our Board of Directors, and experienced northern educators.

Our Culture

Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada has a supportive work culture and offers a variety of benefits to its team members, including 4 weeks of annual vacation that increases with tenure, access to mental wellness supports, flexible hours, and team-wide professional development opportunities. In addition to these perks and benefits, Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada also honours National Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation as statutory holidays, and the last week of every calendar year is paid time off too!

Your Responsibilities

The Professional Development Manager will support Education Assistants working in Community Partner schools by providing professional learning and guidance to strengthen their skills and success in northern First Nations education contexts.

• Build long-term, professional relationships with approximately 35-45 EAs who are living and working in First Nations in northern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
• Supervise and manage all aspects of the Education Assistant (EA) Program, including overseeing staff, presenters, and education assistants.
• Plan, develop, and implement programming for EAs to support their professional development and growth.
• Plan and implement all aspects of the EA Learning Summit in a central location (e.g., Winnipeg ) for one week per year (in-person programming dependent on funding).

• Collaborate with the Education Pathways Director to maintain a budget for the EA Program.

• Support EA’s learning regarding professional opportunities (e.g. BEd programs, EA certification programs).

• Collaborate with the Teacher Recruitment, Teacher Development, and Community Engagement departments to recruit EAs by creating and distributing materials, hosting information sessions, and other activities as needed.
• Collaborate with the Education Pathways team to deliver programming that includes but is not limited to the Summer Enrichment Program.
• Collaborate with the Education Pathways team to create and implement new resources and initiatives based on EA and Community Partner needs and requests.
• Collaborate with the Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada team to ensure that teacher and EA experiences inform programming initiatives.

• Design and develop promotional materials to meet programming objectives.

• Perform administrative and reporting tasks using Microsoft, Google Workplace, Canva, ClickUp, Advataxes, and Salesforce, as well as show willingness to learn new systems as needed.
• Support the department's quarterly and annual planning and review processes to reach and advance the goals of the department and organization.
• Support the Education Pathways department and other Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada departments in other ways as needed.

Your Fit

• You are respectful of Indigenous cultures and histories: You have a deep respect for the histories, cultures, and goals of Indigenous communities in Canada.
• You are a teacher: You are a certified teacher with strong pedagogy and are comfortable offering in-person classroom coaching as well as remote support to teachers in northern First Nations schools. Assets include:
• • Experience teaching in Indigenous communities and/or northern/remote jurisdictions in Canada
  • Special Education certification and/or experience
• You are organized and self-motivated: You manage your time effectively; you initiate and lead new projects; you see an idea through to its successful execution.
• You are results-focused: You enjoy setting goals, creating actionable plans, and being held accountable for outcomes. You reflect on your experiences to improve.
• You are a relationship‐builder: You build relationships with ease, and you engage others around you.

Application Process

To begin your application, please submit your resume and cover letter. The interview process will start with a virtual introductory interview, which will be preceded by a pre-interview assignment for you to complete.

Equity Accessibility

Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. As an organization that works with First Nations, we value Indigenous perspectives in the workplace and strongly encourage Indigenous candidates to apply.

Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the hiring process.

Indigenous Integrity

Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada is committed to increasing the representation of First Nations team members across all roles in the organization. We encourage First Nations candidates to self-identify in their application. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential.

This information supports our efforts to hire First Nations candidates, particularly from the Nations and treaty territories we serve, whenever possible, and to provide meaningful support throughout the recruitment process.

We are also committed to upholding the integrity of Indigenous claims of identity. If you self-identify as Indigenous and are the successful candidate, you will be asked to provide substantiating documentation.

Job term: Full-Time Permanent

Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be a certified and experienced teacher in one of Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada’s jurisdictions, or able to transfer certification prior to start date, or have equivalent related experience in an education setting

Desired Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in adult education/professional development
• 2+ years of experience teaching or working in First Nations education, ideally in a northern or remote context, and
• Experience designing curriculum
• Experience managing a budget
• Experience planning events and conferences

Location: This role is a hybrid position with required travel as directed by Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada to Partner First Nations and other locations for in-person programming, meetings and related work obligations as necessary.