Cree Language Instructor

The South Slave Divisional Education Council is looking for a positive and committed educator, capable and willing to work collaboratively with other language teachers and staff, and embrace the implementation of three key priorities in the South Slave schools and classrooms: literacy, numeracy, and social responsibility. Main responsibilities are the planning, assessment, and reporting on Cree language acquisition following the GNWT guidelines.

Position:  Cree Language Instructor (Joseph Burr Tyrell Elementary School)

Salary is dependent upon qualifications but ranges from $82,185 to $132,684 per year and a very attractive benefits package including a Northern Allowance of approx $7,000 per year and relocation expenses.

Start date:

As soon as possible.

Term (1.0 FTE) for  school year

Documents required:  Resume, Cover letter, Philosophy of education (statement
-1 page max- outlining your educational philosophy) and names of at least 3 references (must include current supervisor)

In addition to eligibility for NWT teacher certification, other requirements, are specific to the position. A Language Proficiency assessment may be required. Interested applicants are required to submit the following documentation:

Further information about teaching the NWT can be found at:

For more information, the NWT Teachers' Association Collective Agreement is online:

The Division:

The South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) was established in 1991 to administer the K-12 education system for five communities in the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories - Fort Smith, Hay River, Kátlodééche First Nation, Fort Resolution, and Lutsel K'e. Each of our communities has a proud and storied past, steeped in northern traditions and values. The Council serves eight schools with an estimated student population of 1300 students.

The Council strives to prepare students to create their futures.

For more information about us, visit us on the web at

The Community:

Fort Smith is nestled on the banks overlooking the Slave River on the Northwest Territories/Alberta border. It is one of the largest towns and is the most-southerly centre in the Northwest Territories with a population of roughly 2500 people. The community is home to the main campus of Aurora College, is the gateway to Canada's largest national park, Wood Buffalo National Park, and is where the central office of the South Slave Divisional Education Council calls home.

Not unlike most northern communities, Fort Smith celebrates its cultural diversity. With a majority aboriginal population comprising Dene and Metis peoples, the town has a thriving cultural sector complemented by the presence of the Northern Life Museum. Fort Smith is the home of two modern and well-equipped schools served by dedicated teaching staffs.

JBT School is a Junior Kindergarten to grade 6 school with 270 students. Students and staff focus on four simple expectations:
Pride, Respect, Ownership and Safety (PROS). Literacy is a primary focus as all students are active in Rufus Reading Club. We also pride ourselves on our open door policy and our school benefits from parent/community support. At JBT, the school helps to Create Futures through a number of diverse programs, and activities, including: culture camps, primary/STEM activity days, literacy activities, student achievement awards and celebrating our weekly bucket fillers.