Northern Practicum Program - Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada

Program Update

Gakino’amaage’s Northern Practicum Program has concluded and is no longer accepting applications.

We are proud of the impact this program had in connecting teacher candidates with northern First Nations and helping future educators gain meaningful classroom experience.

What teaching in the North offers

Opportunity

Teaching in the North offers opportunities for meaningful professional growth and leadership. Educators often gain diverse classroom experience, take on new responsibilities, and develop innovative approaches to teaching while making a lasting impact in their school community.

Connection

Build meaningful relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members. Teaching in a northern First Nation means becoming part of a close-knit community where collaboration, culture, and connection are woven into everyday life.

Experience

Discover a way of life that combines professional purpose with personal growth. Teaching in the North offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, engage with community life, and experience a different pace and perspective. It's an experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

Why Teach in the North?

Teaching in a northern First Nation begins with a commitment to supporting students and their goals. Through that work, educators often develop meaningful relationships, learn from the community, and grow in their practice.

What surprises new teachers to the North the most?

Freedom to teach outdoors
Small class sizes
The ability to try new things and creatively expand upon the curriculum
Daily collaboration with other faculty members

Whether you’re exploring a future in northern First Nations education or ready to take the next step, we’d love to connect. Apply today or email selection@teachforcanada.ca with any questions.

Go North with Gakino'amaage

Educator Experiences

“Teaching in this community has been a truly life changing experience. I have had the opportunity to learn more about myself, both as an individual and as a teacher, from an amazing group of staff and students.”

– Northern Practicum Program Alum

“In my 5 weeks, I learned so much about teaching and how important structure and routine really are to building a classroom. This experience allowed me to experiment with new teaching styles and really create a presence in the classroom that I believe comes from experience and comfort. I don’t believe I would have been able to grow as much as I have personally or professionally if it were not for the flexibility and freedom I was allowed within this community to really fine tune my skills.”

– Northern Practicum Program Alum

“Every day in the North was a new learning experience for me, and I believe that I have grown significantly as a teacher.”

– Northern Practicum Program Alum

Thank You to Our Education Partners

“I had always wanted to go North but wasn’t sure what the best way to do this was. When I found the Northern Practicum Program, it seemed like a dream come true—a way to pursue this goal with the support of Gakino’amaage.”

– Maya Davidson, Northern Practicum Program Alum, God’s Lake Narrows First Nation

Read Maya's Story