Here you will find links to information and resources we have researched and made available for your use. We are always looking for more resources to add, so if you have an idea or would like to see something in particular, please e-mail us and let us know. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Non-Canadians who would like to work in Canada must either be a permanent resident of Canada or hold a temporary work permit. In order to obtain a work permit, you will need both a job offer and assistance from your employer. Once a temporary work permit is obtained, you can apply to become a Permanent Resident.
Please understand that the information here is for applicants looking for employment in education. Immigration information changes, we recommend that you research further information by visitng the Government of Canada Citizenship and Immigration website.
This section will help you to determine your options for obtaining a work permit. Generally speaking, if you have a specialized skill that is in short supply, you’ll have an easier time with the application process. There are many different ways to get a work permit and the goal is to find the most efficient and most appropriate option for you.
The main factors used to determine the options are citizenship, experience, education and the position being filled. The work permit types relevant to positions that are common to the education sector include:
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Labour Market Opinion (LMO)
The Skilled Worker program is one method of of obtaining permanent residency in Canada, this program uses a points-based system where applicants receive points for a variety of areas including education, work experience, language skills in English/French, arranged employment and more. Please see the Citizen and Immigration Canada website for more details including a self-assessment. Employer involvement is not required to apply as a Skilled Worker.
If you are already an employee working with a work permit, you may request a letter from the Employer confirming employment to accompany the application.
BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch
#400 - 2025 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6J 1Z6
Tel: (604) 731-8170
Fax: (604) 731-9142
Home Page: http://www.bcteacherregulation.ca/
Teacher Qualification Service
#106 - 1525 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6J 1T5
Tel: (604) 736-5484
Fax: (604) 736-6591
Home Page: http://www.tqs.bc.ca
Teacher Development and Certification
Alberta Education
10044-108 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
T5J 5E6
Click here for information on Alberta teaching certification requirements or to apply on-line.
Teacher Qualification Service
The Alberta Teachers'
Association
Barnett House
11010 - 142 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5N 2R1
For more information visit their web site
Registrar
Provincial Examinations, Student
and Teacher Services
Saskatchewan Education
1500 - 4th Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 3V7
Secretary, Teacher Classification Board Teacher Services
Saskatchewan Education
1500 – 4th Avenue
Regina, SK
S4P 3V7.
Professional Certification Unit and Student Records
402 Main Street
PO Box 700
Russell, MB
R0J 1W0
For more information visit Manitoba Education & Training.
Ontario College of Teachers
101 Bloor Street West
Toronto Ontario
M5S 0A1
Phone: (416) 961-8800
Toll-free: (888) 534-2222 (Ontario only)
Fax: (416) 961-8822
e-mail: info@oct.on.ca
Hours:
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Le ministre de l'Éducation
Monsieur François Legault
Certfication in Montreal:
Ministêre de l'éducation
600, rue Fullum
10e étage
Montréal (Québec)
H2K 4L1
Téléphone : (514) 873-4630
Certification in Quebec City
Ministère de l'Éducation
1035, rue De La Chevrotière
28e étage
Québec (Québec)
G1R 5A5
Téléphone : (418) 643-2948
Department of Education
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5H1
Tel: (506) 453-8134
Teacher Certification
Department of Education
P.O. Box 578
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2S9
Department of Education and Human Resources
P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
C1A 7N8
Tel: (902) 368-4600
Fax: (902) 368-4663
Teacher Certification Unit - (902) 368-4650
For more information visit the Ministry of Education's.
Registrar, Teacher Certification and Records Section
Division of School Services
Department of Education
Confederation Building, West
Block, P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NF
A1B 4J6
Telephone: (709) 729-3023
Facsimile: (709) 729-2096
Registrar, Teacher Certification Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the NWT
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT
X1A 2L9
Tel: (867) 873-7392
Fax: (867) 873-0338
Registrar
Nunavut Educators' Certification Service Early Childhood and School Services Division
Department of Education Government of Nunavut
Arviat, NU
X0C 0E0
Tel: (867) 857-3081
Fax: (867) 873-0338
Teacher Certification
Department of Education
P. O. Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6
Tel (867) 667-8658
Toll Free (in Yukon): (800) 661-0408, local 8568
http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/
Click here for Certication Application
Click here for Confidential Reference form.
Your resume should be easy to look ar, using bold categories, capitalizing all words in the technical summary, detailing hardware, software, operating systems, languages, any tools you've worked with, making certain of proper grammar, diction and spelling.
When developing your resume, decide whether education is a big selling feature. If you've recently completed education that is attractive to an employer (i.e. Teaching Certification, Teaching Specialties, extra-curricular activities), then put it at the top of your resume. For those whose work experience seems more relevant, education should be put at the end.
Remember, resumes must perform their function quickly. As employers may receive and skim through hundreds of applications at a time, only a few seconds may be spent reviewing each resume. The employer is looking, at all times, to reduce the number of resumes to a manageable number. To ensure your resume is given the attention it deserves, it must quickly and accurately convey that you match the position and you should be interviewed. The more thoroughly you prepare your resume now, the more likely it is someone will read it later. For maximum impact, the resume should be arranged so the high points can be absorbed in thirty seconds. Do not, however, resort to cute gimmicks to attract attention.
1. Determine Resume Focus
What types of jobs are you applying for or interested in securing?
Assess your skills, accomplishments and capabilities that relate to your focus.
Brainstorm your career objectives and what you are expecting in complying your resume.
2. List Out Experience
Teaching placements, full and part time employment, volunteer, student teaching, internships, skills, honors, awards.
List all your accomplishments and experiences on a piece of paper and determine their importance to the opportunity you are interested in.
3. Decide On Format
Chronological: Most applicable for recent graduates. Lists positions in reverse chronological order. Job responsibilities and skills are listed under each position held. Calls attention to growth and progression into positions of increased responsibility. Lists dates of employment at the top of each job description. Presents job duties and experience under headings by job title and company. Easy for employer to determine what work was performed at each company.
Functional: Most applicable for candidates who are out of work, history of being unemployed, job hoppers, career changers, or had a reduction in responsibility. Headings consist of functions or skills, then responsibilities and accomplishments are described under each applicable heading. Employment dates are given at the end of the resume, after employers had a chance to read about skills and successes. Shortcomings in job history have less of an emphasis.
Combination: This type of resume combines aspects of both the chronological and functional resume formats. This format will highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments while, at the same time, providing your background information, including employment history, in a chronological framework.
4. Plan Your Layout
Look at a variety of other resumes to determine a layout you like. Make it easy to read. Use margins, white space, lines, bold or italics for emphasis without overusing. Remember: appearance counts!
5. Use Action Verbs and Statements
See Words & Phrases
6. Select Key Words and Phrase
Communicate your knowledge of the field - use terminology and language that fits you discipline.
7. Prepare Your First Draft
Develop a template and fill in the blanks
Check out the templates in your word processor, online or from print resources.
8. Edit and Proofread
Ask professionals in your field and/or career counselors to help you fine-tune your resume.
Skill and Ability Words
Analyzed
Administered
Assisted
Communicated
Composed
Conceived
Contributed
Coordinated
Created
Delegated
Designed
Developed
Economized
Edited
Increased
Implemented
Improved
Innovated
Interpreted
Led
Motivated
Negotiated
Organized
Planned
Prepared
Produced
Recruited
Researched
Supervised
Taught
Trained
Translated
Wrote
Accomplishment Words and Phrases
Ability to
Accomplished
Achieved
Approved
Conducted
Contributed
Established
Evaluated
Expanded
Improved
Increased
Marketed
Progressed
Reduced
Reorganized
Responsible
Restored
Succeeded
Examples
Ability to analyze and reorganize corporate administrative procedures.
Experienced in most aspects of _____ with emphasis on _____.
Comprehensive experience in the ______.
Accomplished in organizing efficient production of ______.
Able to bring effective solutions to complex problems ______.
Author of program to expedite ______.
Experienced in managing sales, personnel, training, recruiting, etc.
Ability to utilize all techniques to stimulate sales, etc.
TO DO:
Make it brief, using short phrases,
Use action verbs such as created, initiated, organized,
Include internships, summer and part-time employment,
Emphasize skills, strengths and accomplishments,
List major awards, achievements and publications,
Organize education and employment in reverse chronological order,
Give attention to the attractiveness and clarity of the resume,
Have your resume critiqued for style, impact and spelling,
Consider the tone of your resume,
Use the language/jargon of your chosen field,
Remove all personalization: "I," "me," "my," "we."
Relate the information given to your career objective,
Check for consistency: do all jobs listed include city/state and the location of the company? Are all job titles listed and underlined under the company name?
Check for formatting issues: spacing; awkward page breaks; margins too big/little; general presentation,
PROOF READ!!!
NOT TO DO
Make the resume longer than 1-2 pages
Use negative words
Include present salary or salary desired
Mention high school degrees and activities
Use abbreviations
Use common introductory phrases such as "My duties included" or "I was responsible for"
Sell yourself short
Include personal information (e.g., height, weight, birth date, marital status, children or religion)
Use fancy fonts or too many different fonts. Keep it simple, Times Roman or Arial should suffice. Your resume should look clean.
Be afraid to brag without making it obvious.
Forget to PROOF READ!!!
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Academic Background
Activities
Activities & Interests
Additional Experience
Additional Skills
Additional Training
Affiliations
Associations
Career Goal
Career Objective
Coaching Experience Achievements
Community Involvement
Community Service
Computer Skills
Conferences Attended
Education
Employment
Employment History
Employment Objective
Experience
Goals
Highlights of Qualifications
Hobbies & Interests
Honours & Awards
Language Skills
Memberships Extracurricular Activities
Objective
Personal Achievements
Presentations
Professional Activities
Professional Background
Professional Education
Professional Development
Professional Qualifications Academic Training
Professional Skills
Publications
Qualifications
Related Activities
Related Experience
Relevant Experience
Relevant Skills
Scholarships & Awards
Skills
Special Skills
Summary of Qualifications
Teaching Experience
Teaching Objective
Teaching Philosophy
Volunteer Activities
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Work
The following checklist has been designed to assist you in writing your resume.
1. Overall appearance...
__ makes an immediately favorable impression
__ is inviting to read
__ is easy to read
__ looks professional
2. Contact information...
__ is clearly presented at the top.
__ includes address information; permanent and temporary
__ includes telephone number(s) where you can be reached from 9am to 5pm
3. Objective (optional; use if yours is specific)...
__ includes type and level of position sought
__ includes type and size of organization sought
__ emphasizes strongest qualifications and skills pertinent to desired job
4. Organization...
__ highlights strongest qualifications or credentials
__ uses headings to help establish common ground with employer e.g.,
Graduate Business Education, Professional Social Work Training, Retailing Experience
__ is brief - usually one page unless you have 5-10 years experience
5. Content...
__ demonstrates ability to do the job and speaks to employer's needs
__ supports and substantiates objective
__ stresses transferable professional skills, accomplishments, and results
__ contains only that personal data relevant to your objective e.g., language skills, computer skills
__ omits racial, religious, or political affiliations unless a bona fide occupational qualification
6. Education section includes...
__ most recent degree or program in which you are enrolled; date of graduation or anticipated date
__ list of other degrees or relevant higher education, training certificate programs, licenses, or short courses
__ name and location of university, college, or training institution
__ major, minor, and/or area(s) of concentration or interest
__ relevant coursework, skills, or knowledge acquired through research or projects
__ GPA, honors, and awards
__ percentage of educational expenses earned
7. Extracurricular activities section (optional) includes...
__ list of most impressive offices held, including title and organization
__ leadership roles and transferable skills
__ pertinent professional memberships
8. Experience section...
__ Each paid, volunteer, extracurricular, intern, or co-op experience relevant to your objective,
includes: title held, organization name, city, state, or country location (if not U.S.)
__ dates position held
__ position description that stresses transferable skills, previous accomplishments, and effectiveness
(rather than a mere summary of past duties and responsibilities)
__ specific examples of successes and results supporting your objective
__ examples that quantify results or successes e.g., increased sales by $50,000, reduced turnover by 25%
9. Language...
__ is expressed in succinct manner
__ uses action verbs to begin phrases
__ has short action-oriented phrases instead of complete sentences
__ is free from grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors
__ is in active rather than passive voice
__ uses vocabulary of working world e.g., Sales and Marketing Employment, Budgeting Experience
10. Layout and space utilization...
__ is crisp and clean
__ separates sections and incorporates enough blank space for easy reading
__ centers text with adequate margins
11. Highlighting and emphasis...
__ uses bold type, underlining, different type styles and sizes, to emphasize key words
__ is well balances - does not use highlighting and emphasis too frequently
12. Printing and production...
__ paper is high quality; heavy weight bond
__ paper is off-white, ivory, light tan, light gray, or other conservative and conventional color
__ reproduction is clear, clean and professional
__ print is letter quality, never photocopied
Cover Letters - General Considerations and Tips
A cover letter is a necessary business letter that accompanies your resume whether you mail, email, or fax your application and/or resume. Its purpose is to introduce your resume, express your personality and enthusiasm for the position, and provide support for your candidacy that is not covered by your resume. Writing a cover letter can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially when you must customize it towards each organization. The following suggestions are offered when writing a cover letter:
If sending via snail mail make sure that each letter uses the same font and high quality paper as the resume.
If printing out use 1 inch margins all the way around, and print on high quality resume paper (8" x 11") using a laser printer or high quality bubble-jet.
Please be sure to proof your letter for grammar and spelling errors! Or have someone else proof it for you. There's nothing worse than a spelling mistake or typo on a job application!
Be brief and concise; the cover letter/e-mail should be approximately 1 page in length.
Expand on your resume, rather than repeat the resume's content.
Individualize and target each cover letter to the position you seek; remember you are trying to convince someone why you're the best person for that particular job.
Be sure to market yourself. Explain what you can offer the company; not what the company can do for you.
Always include a cover letter with your resume, whether it is mailed, e-mailed, or faxed!
If mailed or faxed remember to sign the cover letter.
If e-mailing your cover letter remember to "attach" your resume and any other documentation as outlined by the employer in their application instructions. If they want your resume as an ASCII text file then send it that way. If you can't follow their instructions, they probably won't hire you
Cover Letters - The Whole Purpose
Your cover letter should explain why you are sending your resume. Never send a resume without a cover letter, unless you are explicitly asked not to by an employer's application instructions. Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for - be specific! Tell the employer you are writing about the part-time summer elementary opportunity or the permanent position in secondary science advertised on the Education Canada Network site. Or are writing because you didn't see any positions in grade 4 physical education on the Education Canada Network and you would like to know of any upcoming opportunities in school district.
Always state specifically how you learned about the position or the organization -- the Education Canada Network, your university academic advisor, your neighbor Mrs. Blake. It is always appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
Remember you are trying to convince the reader to look at your resume. The cover letter is the first impression - there are no second chances for a first impression! The cover letter must be well written and targeted specifically to the employer you are writing.
Call attention to the highlights of your background -- education, experience, leadership roles -- which are relevant to the position you are applying for. Be specific and use examples.
States exactly what is enclosed or attached -- resume, practicum report, list of references, transcripts forthcoming etc., so that the employer knows what you included in your application package.
Provides additional information not referred to or requested in the application such as your availability date for an interview and/or start date and when you will follow up via mail/e-mail or telephone.
The following are samples of resumes. Use these samples as guidelines when planning and producing your own resume.
The following samples are general sampless of two types of resumes: chronological and combined. Use these samples to get the general idea of what each type of resume looks like.
Sample - Chronological Resume
Sample - Combined Resume
Below are some education-specific resumes.
Sample - Art/English Teacher
Sample - Elementary Teacher
Sample - Math Teacher
Book Suggestions for resume planning and writing your education related resume:
101 Grade a Resumes for Teachers by Rebecca Anthony, Gerald Roe Roe
Inside Secrets of Finding a Teaching Job by Jack Warner, Clyde Bryan, Diane Warner
Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae by Acy L. Jackson
How to Develop a Professional Portfolio: A Manual for Teachers by Dorothy M. Campbell (Editor)
Resumes for Education Careers by Vgm Career Horizons (Editor)
Document Checklist
When applying for a job opportunity, remember to include the following documents. This is only a guideline, each school or school district has their own requirements.
Cover letter
Resume
Teachers Certificate
List of references / reference letters
Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) Category Card
Practicum reports and evaluations
Official academic transcripts (require scanned electronic copies, photocopies are not acceptable)
Post-secondary diplomas and /or certificates
Work permit (only required from non-Canadian residents)
