Teacher Jobs in Canada for Foreigners: Everything You Need to Know

Careers as teachers appeal to Canadians and immigrants. With one of the highest teacher salaries in the world, that makes sense. Yet, most provinces and territories seek foreign-trained teachers to fill these positions due to a need for more competent teachers.

You have several options if you recently obtained your teaching certification outside of Canada or have teaching experience in your home country. Yet, because many occupations are regulated, you should be aware of the regulations before relocating to search for work in Canada for foreigners.

The role of a teacher is one of the regulated occupations. And many immigrants to Canada discover that it’s challenging to get employment in their desired field only after moving there. You must get recognition for credentials obtained abroad or through Canadian teaching experience.

We break down what you need to know about foreign teacher positions in Canada.

What’s in It for You if You Pursue a Career as a Teacher in Canada?

It should come as no surprise that Canada encourages teachers with international training to relocate to one of its provinces. There are not enough trained teachers to staff the country’s schools. Simply put, there is a lack of teachers at all levels in Canada.

Therefore, you will have no trouble finding work in Canada as a new immigrant. Primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels all have teacher jobs in Canada for foreigners. You can also find employment in private schools or as a substitute teacher.

While pursuing your teaching credentials, working as a substitute can be gratifying. In Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, you have a better chance of finding employment as a teacher.

Canada’s Requirements for Teachers

Each territory or province’s regulatory bodies stipulate its requirements for teachers in Canada. While they vary by jurisdiction, you do need a bachelor’s degree in education and teaching certification from a province.

If you want to teach in Ontario, you must meet the following standards, according to the Ontario College of Teachers:

• Finishing a four-semester teacher education program,

• Finishing a three-year post-secondary degree from an accredited post-secondary school,

• and completing the sexual abuse prevention course

You might require extra training and certification if you wish to teach English or French as a second language or special education. Unlike elementary and secondary education, the teaching profession is not regulated at the university or college level. Recognizing your academic credentials obtained outside Canada rests with the institution or hiring department.

Most university teaching positions require at least one graduate degree, a track record of successful teaching, or academic publishing. These positions are competitive and have strict requirements.

How to Become a Teacher in Canada

As a new immigrant to Canada interested in becoming a teacher, you must take the following steps:

Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Get a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Canadian university.

Choose a Teaching Location

Location-wise, teachers are spoiled for choice. Knowing where you want to teach makes selecting a graduate program simpler. It’s recommended, for instance, to get your teaching degree from a university in the same territory where you plan to work as a teacher.

Consider the Subjects and Grades

In Canada, you can work with elementary, middle, or high-school students and specialize in several fields.

Sign Up for a Teacher’s College

Complete a graduate program in education in the province where you plan to teach. All in-class and practical criteria must be satisfied.

Become Licensed

Complete the relevant paperwork and the application for certification before beginning your search for your first teaching job.

What’s the Pay for Canadian Teachers?

Teacher salaries in Canada are among the most competitive in the world. They are third, right behind Luxembourg and Germany. A number of factors can affect your income, including your province, area of competence, specialty, and teaching background.

Most recently immigrated teachers earn more in Canada than they would back home. The hourly pay for teachers ranges from $24 to $66.

Also, locating qualified teachers in Canada’s northwest territories of Yukon and Nunavut is difficult. And because of the increased cost of living, incomes are often higher there.

Canada’s Largest Cities’ Average Pay for Teachers

Depending on the location, the usual annual teacher salary varies considerably. The following cities in Canada have the highest average teacher salaries:

1. Nunavut ($107,576) (any city)

2. $102,002 in Winnipeg, Manitoba

3. $101,162 in Edmonton, Alberta

4. $96,398 in Toronto, Ontario

5. $94,607 in Halifax, Nova Scotia

6. Saskatchewan ($93,433), any city

7. 89,810 in Vancouver, British Columbia

8. $82,585 in Montreal, Quebec

Where to Find Teaching Jobs in Canada?

Many schools, colleges, universities, and teaching institutions exist. In other words, you can work as a teacher in almost any city and town. However, it isn’t easy to find a job in Ontario, British Columbia, or Nova Scotia because there is more supply than demand in those states.

We suggest focusing on the states and cities that are seeing population growth. There is a good chance you will find employment as a teacher in those areas because there’s a bigger demand for teachers.

Four of Canada’s top ten growing metropolitan areas, as determined by data from the most recent census in 2021, are located in Ontario. The other two are in Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. Looking for teaching jobs in Canada’s historically disadvantaged northern and rural communities, where the teacher shortage is particularly severe, can also be worth it.

Due to the increase in skilled crafts, there is a need for teachers in community colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools.

Do you have any questions about the Canada work visa 2023? Need assistance obtaining a teaching position in Canada? Speak with one of the skilled counselors at Great North Visa by scheduling a free consultation today.