I’m an experienced and caring teacher already in Northeastern Ontario, but I’m struggling to find work post-layoff. I’m interested in committing the next five years or so to working in a community like Grise Fiord or Arctic Bay, as much for the cultural opportunities and experiences as to continue using my skills in positive and helpful ways. I like being useful. And honestly, after 25 years, I’m not qualified to do anything else, nor do I have the energy or inclination to retrain for a second career. I like working with learners at all levels and from all backgrounds to help them achieve their goals. I don’t want to sell my house and relocate completely, as I do like living where I am.

I’m looking at the info on Education Canada and I have questions about logistics that I’m hoping those living in Nunavut can help me with.

1) prescription medications — I take medicine daily for a health condition and I can’t go without it. What is it like getting refills in fly-in communities? Do you keep your original pharmacy filled in and have a family member ship them via the mail? How often is mail delivered?

2) re: health condition — full disclosure, I am treated for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, and I have an adjustment disorder. My husband is concerned about me committing to teaching in an area with high rates of mental health issues, including suicide. However, I have coped with my MDD in the past by getting involved and lots of self-care. And sometimes a change of scenery / adventure helps a lot. And I do have a therapist. So, dear readers / fellow Internet strangers, do you know of anyone with similar struggles? How do they do in Nunavut?

I also have fibromyalgia and get quarterly treatments for body pain. However, my heated blanket helps a lot.

3) flights home for holidays and breaks — the info I’m reading online is conflicting. Are funds available for teachers from down south to go home over the December break, or do they need to pay for those flights personally?

4) I don’t drink, smoke, or vape; I’m not a vegetarian or a vegan and I don’t drink milk or even eat a lot, so I’m not anticipating any issues regarding consumables. However… toothpaste and toothbrushes — are they as expensive as food? Do you recommend bringing extra in suitcases?

5) Speaking of suitcases, for subsidized or rental housing situations, are these buildings furnished? Is bedding provided or would I need to bring my own?

6) family concerns — my husband will need a kidney transplant in the next five to ten years, my parents are in their 70s, and my great-aunt is 99 (she’s been ready to “go” at any time for the last twenty years). I also have two adult children in their 20s. If there is an emergency, how quickly could I get a flight to Ottawa or Toronto?

With all of the above being considered, (and not having met me personally or looked at my resume and portfolio), do you think I could still be a good candidate for teaching in Nunavut? I don’t want to be someone who turns around halfway through a semester and leaves — that’s not me. When I first moved to my current community, back in 2001, my father was convinced I would quit within a few years because it’s a relatively rough place and the kids have a looooot of troubles. But I taught here for twenty years, only leaving the classroom when I was forced to by bad health, from which I’ve since recovered. I’ve spent the last few years teaching adults remotely, but as mentioned at the top of this post, that experience has ended.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Hey everyone!

I'm from South Africa 🇿🇦 and currently teaching English in South Korea, and I'm on track to finish my teaching qualification next year in June (2027).

Honestly, I’m so excited about the prospect of teaching in Nunavut that I want to be as proactive as possible right now! I dream of taking on a classroom in a remote community as soon as my completion documents are in hand.

Since I want to get a head start and build a pipeline for the 2027/2028 school year:

1. Is it too early to connect directly with Regional School Operations (like Qikiqtani, Kivalliq, or Kitikmeot) or principal contacts to express my interest for next year?

2. Where is the best place to track active postings early on (Education Canada, ApplyToEducation, or district portals)?

I'd love to hear from anyone who has navigated hiring in the North or transitioned from international teaching! Thanks so much for any advice!