Canada’s world-class education system, multicultural classrooms, and strong commitment to educational excellence create exceptional opportunities for teachers seeking rewarding careers. With growing student populations, teacher retirements accelerating, and persistent shortages in specific regions and specializations, teaching jobs in Canada are increasingly accessible – even to international applicants.
Are you already in Canada or applying from abroad? This is everything you need to know, from the types of teaching positions available, certification requirements across provinces, how international teachers can successfully apply from abroad, to landing a teaching job and starting your journey toward classroom success.
Why Canada Is a Great Place to Work as a Teacher
Canada consistently ranks among the top countries for education and work-life balance. Teachers benefit from:
- Substantial salaries and benefits: Canadian teachers enjoy competitive salaries that reflect their professional qualifications and experience. Public school teachers typically earn between $45,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on province, experience level, and qualifications. Benefits packages featuring extended health and dental coverage, generous pension plans, paid professional development opportunities, and substantial vacation time.
- Safe, multicultural learning environments: Canadian classrooms reflect the country’s multicultural character, with students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and experiences. This diversity enriches teaching experiences, exposing educators to global perspectives.
- Professional development opportunities: Teachers access regular professional development opportunities through workshops, conferences, advanced degree programs, mentorship initiatives, and collaborative learning communities. Many school boards provide dedicated professional development days and funding supporting ongoing learning.
- High demand in certain provinces and rural communities: Teachers willing to work in underserved communities often find expedited hiring, relocation support, housing assistance, and enriched professional experiences in tight-knit communities.
Teaching jobs are available in:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Colleges & universities
- Early childhood education centers
- Special education support programs
Types of Teaching Jobs Available in Canada
1. Elementary and High School Teachers
Public and private schools across Canada employ elementary teachers (typically Kindergarten through Grade 6, 7, or 8, depending on provincial systems) and secondary teachers (commonly Grades 7/9 through 12) in subject specializations.
2. Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)
Demand for qualified Early Childhood Educators remains exceptionally high across Canada, particularly in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and urban centers nationwide. ECEs work in childcare centers and daycares, preschool programs, before- and after-school care, family resource centers, and early intervention programs.
3. Special Education Teachers
Specialists supporting students with diverse learning needs remain in high demand. Special education teachers work with students with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral challenges, physical disabilities, and gifted learners requiring differentiated programming.
4. College Instructors
Post-secondary institutions employ instructors who teach diploma and certificate programs at colleges and universities, as well as in adult education and continuing education, and in vocational and technical training.
5. ESL and FSL Teachers
English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) teachers are in high demand nationwide. Canada’s high immigration levels create a continuous need for ESL instruction supporting newcomers’ language acquisition in settlement programs, adult education centers, school board ESL programs, and language schools.
Requirements to Teach in Canada
Depending on the province, requirements typically include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed.)
- Registration with the provincial teaching regulatory body
- Teaching license/certificate
- Language proficiency (English or French, depending on region)
For Early Childhood Educators:
- An ECE diploma or certificate (recognized by the province)
Each province regulates teaching, so requirements vary.
How People Outside Canada Can Apply for Teaching Jobs
YES! International teachers can apply for teaching jobs in Canada.
Here’s how:
1. Apply as an International Teacher (Outside Canada)
Many school boards accept international applications, especially in:
- Rural and northern communities
- Provinces facing teacher shortages (e.g., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador)
Some employers offer:
- Relocation support
- Settlement assistance
- Sponsorship through Provincial Nominee Programs (in rare cases)
2. Immigrate as a Skilled Worker (Teaching NOC Codes Accepted)
Teachers are eligible under several immigration pathways:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Agri-Food & Healthcare pathways (varies by province)
Many teachers immigrate first, then complete provincial licensing.
3. Work as an ECE or Educational Assistant While Licensing
Some provinces allow internationally educated teachers to work in:
- Childcare centers
- Daycares
- As education assistants
…while completing provincial certification.
This allows foreign teachers to gain Canadian work experience immediately.
How to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Canada
Step 1: Identify your target province
Licensing differs by location, so always start here.
Step 2: Check the provincial certification requirements
For example:
- Ontario → Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
- British Columbia → BC Teacher Regulation Branch
- Alberta → Teacher Certification Service
- Manitoba → Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
Step 3: Apply on the right platforms
Successful job searching requires knowing where Canadian school boards and educational institutions post opportunities:
Education-Specific Job Boards
ApplyToEducation: The primary platform used by Ontario school boards for posting teaching positions, occasional teaching opportunities, and educational support roles. Teachers create profiles, upload credentials, and apply to multiple boards through one system.
Make a Future (BC): British Columbia’s centralized teaching job board connecting teachers with BC school districts and independent schools.
Education Canada Network: Features teaching positions across Canada at all levels from early childhood through post-secondary.
Canadian Teachers’ Federation Job Board: Lists teaching opportunities nationwide with particular focus on public education positions.
General Job Platforms
Indeed Canada (ca.indeed.com): Search “teacher,” “educator,” or specific teaching specializations with location filters for target provinces or “Canada” generally.
LinkedIn Jobs: Set location preferences to Canadian provinces and follow school boards, educational organizations, and recruitment agencies specializing in education placements.
Government of Canada Job Bank: Features some teaching positions, particularly in rural areas, northern communities, and specialized programs. For official career information, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank teaching profiles.
Tips for International Teachers
- Tailor Your resume to Canadian-Style Resume: no photographs, exclude personal information (marital status, age, date of birth, social insurance number), focus on relevant experience and accomplishments, use action verbs and quantifiable achievements, keep to 2 pages maximum, and include relevant certifications and qualifications prominently.
- Highlight any Canadian curriculum experience: your experience with International Baccalaureate (IB), British curriculum, American curriculum, or other systems respected in Canada.
- Show cultural adaptability and classroom diversity experience.
- Emphasize good use of tech tools such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, learning management systems, educational apps, virtual teaching platforms, and interactive whiteboards.
- Be available for virtual interviews across time zones.
- Include licensing progress or intention to certify in Canada.
Your Canadian Teaching Career Starts Here
Teaching jobs in Canada offer exceptional opportunities for professional fulfillment, competitive compensation, and meaningful impact on students’ lives within one of the world’s most respected education systems.
Begin by researching certification requirements in your target province, preparing application materials that meet Canadian standards, identifying school boards and communities aligned with your interests, networking with Canadian educators via online platforms, and applying strategically to positions that align with your qualifications and settlement goals.
