Education Assistant Program - Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada

Get Involved

Gakino’amaage’s Education Assistant Program supports education assistants in the First Nations we serve to enhance their skills and impact in schools.

We are committed to offering professional development opportunities for local education assistants, teacher assistants, tutor escorts, and paraprofessionals in First Nations schools through the Education Assistant Program.

Designed in collaboration with First Nations, this program addresses unique community needs by enhancing professional skills, strengthening local teaching capacity, and supporting student success. Together, we’re building pathways for future educators and fostering long-term growth within communities.

Applications open annually in October — check back then to apply!

What the program offers

In-Person Learning Opportunities

The program includes a dynamic Learning Summit where participants gather to engage in hands-on workshops and collaborative sessions. This in-person event focuses on equipping education assistants with the skills and knowledge needed to make an immediate impact in their schools, while fostering connections with peers and mentors in a supportive environment.

Ongoing Mentorship and Coaching

Throughout the program, participants benefit from one-on-one check-ins with experienced educators. These sessions provide tailored guidance to help navigate challenges, build confidence, and refine classroom strategies. Virtual professional development sessions further ensure that participants stay connected and continue to grow within the unique northern education assistant context.

Personal and Professional Support

Participants receive access to mental health counselling to promote wellness and resilience, helping them navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, we provide a variety of work-related resources, such as tailored guidance on classroom strategies, responsive teaching practices, and opportunities for mentorship.

Career Advancement Pathways

For education assistants aspiring to become certified educators in their current role or as a teacher, the program provides resources and support to help achieve professional goals. Through mentorship and certification pathways, participants are encouraged to advance their careers, creating long-term opportunities in the field of education.

Gakino’amaage values the dedication of education assistants to their professional development and the success of their schools. Participants in the program will be eligible for a $1,000 stipend upon completion of all program requirements and an additional $1,000 stipend if they pursue certification or further training as an educator, or return to their role in the following school year.

Why Participate?

Take your career to the next level with Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada’s Education Assistant Program. Gain hands-on experience at our in-person Learning Summit, receive tailored mentorship from experienced educators, and access professional development designed specifically for teaching assistants in northern contexts.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your current skills or take the next step toward becoming a certified teacher or a certified education assistant, this program offers the tools, support, and resources to help you thrive—all while building connections with an incredible community. Don’t miss this chance to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Eligibility Requirement:

To qualify, you must be a community member currently employed as an education assistant (EA), teacher assistant (TA), tutor escort (TE), or paraprofessional within a First Nation partnered with Gakino’amaage.

We are not currently accepting applications. To learn more or to apply as a participant or First Nation during the October application period, email: selection@teachforcanada.ca.

“I want to become a better teacher assistant. In this way, I can better assist my teacher and my students. Eventually, this will also help me to fulfill my long-range goal of becoming a teacher.”

– Participant, Education Assistant Program

Celebrating 10 Years of Gakino’amaage | Strengthening education for generations to come.

This is default text for notification bar

Learn more