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 access to physical and mental wellness supports, flexible hours, and 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!

On our team, we are fortunate to have a committed, experienced, talented, and humble group of leaders. Together, this team works hard to create a meaningful impact. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, innovative, energizing, and rewarding work environment, then we want to hear from you!

Your Responsibilities

As a Teacher Development Manager at Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada, you’ll play a key role in building strong, trusting relationships with educators and communities in the North. You will help teachers thrive through meaningful, individualized support rooted in local context, equity, and professional growth. Specific responsibilities include:

• Build and maintain professional, trusting relationships with approximately 20–25 teachers, primarily from the 2025 cohort, working in northern First Nations.
• Travel to First Nations communities up to 8–10 weeks per year to provide in-school coaching, lead professional development, and build relationships with local education leaders.
• Collaborate with the Teacher Development team to deliver support projects and programming for the Gakino’amaage teachers (including professional development, peer support, and personal support).
• Collaborate with the Teacher Development team to create and implement new support resources and initiatives based on teacher, education assistant, and community partner needs and requests.
• Support other programmatic and operational activities within specific region (e.g. recruitment activities, relationship-building with Indigenous and education bodies, Advisory Council meetings, and fundraising meetings).
• Perform administrative and reporting tasks using Microsoft, Google Suite, ClickUp, Mail Chimp, Mail Merge, and Salesforce, as well as show willingness to learn new systems as needed.
• Work with the Gakino’amaage team to effectively plan and deliver all activities throughout the Summer Enrichment Program, taking ownership over specific portfolio responsibilities as assigned.
• Collaborate with the Gakino’amaage team to ensure that teacher and education assistant experiences inform programming initiatives.
• Support the Teacher Recruitment team and Education Assistant Program lead in implementing the 2025-2026 Summer Enrichment Program and 2025-2026 school initiatives.
• Support the department's quarterly planning, annual planning, and review processes to reach and advance the goals of the department and organization.
• Support the Teacher Development and Gakino’amaage team in other ways as needed.

Your Fit

1. Thrive on connection and purpose. You believe in the power of relationships and community-based learning. You’re adaptable, caring, and deeply respectful of Indigenous histories and perspectives. Assets include:
2. 1. Experience teaching in Indigenous communities and/or northern/remote jurisdictions in Canada
   2. Special Education certification and/or related experience
   3. Literacy Specialist and/or related experience
3. Loves travelling in Northern Ontario / Manitoba / Saskatchewan / Alberta are comfortable adapting to new situations and working from the road.
4. Thrives in roles that are grounded in empathy, relational work, and big-picture thinking.
5. Believes in the power of education and the strength of Indigenous communities, and brings a commitment to culturally respectful, strengths-based support.
6. Is highly adaptable and able to pivot quickly between tasks, responsibilities, and communication styles.
7. Enjoys being both a thought partner and a support system to others, you’re the kind of person colleagues turn to when they’re unsure where to start.
8. Can hold space for complexity, including balancing organizational expectations with community realities.
9. Communicates with clarity, compassion, and accountability.
10. Is comfortable working in dynamic and ambiguous environments, and knows how to move forward with incomplete information.
11. Understands that learning is a lifelong process, for teachers, students, and themselves, and actively seeks out feedback and professional growth opportunities.
12. Brings a sense of humility and reflection, and values partnership over perfection.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your résumé and cover letter. The application also includes several short-response questions designed to assess your alignment with Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada’s mission and your motivation for professional growth.

Equity, Accessibility and Indigenous Integrity

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.

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.

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the hiring process.

Background Check Requirement

This position involves visiting schools and working with children and, as such, the successful candidate will be required to apply for and obtain a Police Records Check for the vulnerable sector.

Job term: Full-time, contract

Contract duration: July 2025 – August 2026

Requirements: Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be experienced teachers in one of Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada jurisdictions (ON, MB, SK, AB) or have equivalent classroom or educational leadership experience, ideally in culturally diverse settings.

Desired Requirements:

• Experience facilitating professional development sessions
• Experience teaching in or working with northern First Nations
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and support teachers in high-stress or isolated work environments