Job Discussion Forums

[fregona]

Hi,

I was hoping someone could comment on working on a Native reserve in Ontario.

I am a certifed Ontario teacher thinking of gettting back into teaching. I have been out of the classroom for about 10 years, due to various reasons, ie lack of jobs after university,etc. I have since obtained a Web/Graphic Design diploma and have ESL Part 1.

How is teaching on a reserve? I have heard positives and negatives.

What did you like the most, dislike the most?

Thanks for your comments

John

[jdl]

Conditions and lifestyles vary from urban upper/middle class to cottage country to abject poverty .... all depends where you go. It is well worth the experience to become more familiar with the variety in First Nations culture. It will be nothing like anything you have experienced anywhere else in Canada.

[cassava]

After being away from teaching for ten years, you should probably try to get a job in the regular system rather than in the system for native students, unless you yourself are of First Nations heritage and are thoroughly familiar with the cultural dimensions of that society.

Please understand that I am not making any negative inferences here. I am simply concerned that the inevitable erosion of your skills which would have taken place after such a long absence from the education scene would be a severe handicap in a native setting where resources and teachers' aids are frequently in short supply.

Finally, since there is an oversupply of teachers at the elementary level in Ontario, you should try to obtain as many relevant, additional qualifications as possible so that in the fierce competition for jobs, you have, at least, a fighting chance.

[fregona]

thank you both for your comments

[jdl]

For a truly unique experience try the Arctic (Nunavit and NWT). They are hiring now! There are many jobs in Northern areas across Canada (both provincial and territorial). Pay is good and the experience un paralleled. Try the following for job bots:

http://www.educationcanada.com/

Great National site

[evolving81]

Hello jdl,

I'm interested in teaching in a remote area up north. Do you know if they hire U.S. citizen teachers as well? Or is Canadian citizenship required?

Thanks,
Mitch

[Doodly]

John, I don't advise going to a reserve as a last resort because of the poor job market. Not sure how many teachers my previous school lost at Christmas over the years (they go home and don't come back because it's just too much). But, the positives and negatives depend a lot on the reserve. Do a lot of research about the social issues in the particular reserve you want to go to.

I liked learning about the culture and history.
I disliked the extreme stress of dealing with all kinds of stupidity and craziness 24-7 (no escaping on a remote rez when everyone knows where you live).

Mitch, you would need a Canadian work permit and a provincial teaching license. The requirements are the same as working in any public school board.

[Sorry about the editing.]

[johnslat]

Dear evolving81,

How about Alaska?

http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Teaching-Job-in-Alaska

Regards,
John

[evolving81]

Thank you. I am thinking about Alaska as well. A small, rural school in the "bush" (as that article states) sounds interesting but I wonder if they even need an ESL teacher? I suppose I could teach content area as well...perhaps...

Thanks again,
Mitch

[johnslat]

Dear Motch,
Looks like ESL would be a good possibility, especially out back of the beyond:

"Many Native Alaskan students grow up speaking their native language, and learn English as a second language."

Regards,
John