During their final practicum term, Trent School of Education teacher candidates are supported in opportunities to teach in remote northern First Nation communities. 

“This is a program for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous teacher candidates to travel and experience teaching in a First Nations community-based context,” explains Dr. Katie Tremblay, interim coordinator for the Bachelor of Indigenous Education program. “The Trent Bachelor of Education and Indigenous Bachelor of Education programs are committed to Indigenous-focused learning, and this is an opportunity for students to apply these concepts in a cultural classroom context.”  

Benefits of a different pace

“Something I loved the most about the experience was that we never rushed students to grasp a concept and move onto the next,” says B.Ed. graduate Kassandra Azevedo ‘21 (Otonabee College). “I really appreciated this opportunity to slow things down.”  

Outside of teaching at a different pace than she was used to, Kassandra found great value in how the experience impacted her personally. “My mental health thrived on this placement. I was surrounded by amazing people, beautiful nature, and was lucky enough to see wildlife. While learning Ojibwe, I was able to smudge every morning and witness elders speaking and traditional dancing at gatherings.”  

Since 2021, the School of Education has been partnering with Teach for Canada-Gakinaamaage, an organization working with First Nations communities to “recruit, prepare and support committed teachers” to elevate educational opportunities for their Indigenous students. The organization’s website says roughly 48 per cent of First Nations youth on reserves have a high school diploma. 

“This is one way in which we can prepare teacher candidates to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, by building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect,” says Dr. Tremblay. “It also gives them an opportunity to promote good relations, including human rights education, as outlined in Canada’s United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan.”  

Teaching in demand

Recruiting certified educators to teach in Indigenous communities has historically been a challenge. In today’s education climate, even urban communities struggle to find teachers and this need has become more extreme in the North.  

“I was very quickly offered a teaching position as well as accommodations to live in a teacherage effective immediately after my placement,” recounts graduate Kristofer Roach ‘16 (Otonabee College). “Schools like the one I was placed in are in dire need of teachers, especially younger ones that can effectively connect with the students. I encourage anyone who is determined, outgoing, and outdoorsy, to jump on the wonderful teaching opportunities up North.” 

"Our partnership with Trent University highlights the significant impact of collaborative efforts in education. Together, we create pathways for enriching experiences and meaningful learning opportunities for teacher candidates,” says Shardae Fortier, vice-president of Programs at Teach For Canada–Gakinaamaage. “Our Northern Practicum Program not only addresses the educational disparity affecting First Nations learners, but also provides teachers with invaluable insights, positioning the North as a viable and inspiring career path."