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Typical Challenges

What are some typical challenges for Internationally Educated Teachers?

Below are some challenges at different stages of the process and ways to prepare to achieve your goal of teaching in Nova Scotia.

Pre-arrival

Sources

Read More

Challenges

Understanding the:

  • education system in Nova Scotia and how to navigate it.
  • criteria for teacher certification (see section 5).
  • process of applying for teacher certification (see section 5).

Preparation

Preparation

Review Teach in Nova Scotia: An Orientation for Internationally Educated Teachers and any other relevant links.

If you are applying for teacher certification from your first country, make sure you include all of the required documents listed in the application package on the Nova Scotia Office of Certification website. (see section 5)

If you are applying for teacher certification in Nova Scotia, make sure to bring with you from your first country:

  • Official Transcripts of All Post-Secondary Education: Include official transcripts from each college or university you have attended, including transcripts from the source institution for transfer of credit.  You should request that the university provide to you the official transcripts in a sealed envelope bearing the university official seal and/or signature.  You may wish to request an unofficial copy of your transcripts in order for you to check for completeness and accuracy.  Student grade reports, mark sheets, and unofficial transcripts are not acceptable.
  • Statement of Professional Standing: This statement is from the teacher certification authorities in the jurisdiction(s) where you have held a teacher’s certificate.  If you have been granted a teacher’s certificate in another province, state or country, an official “Statement of Professional Standing” (to be provided to our office in a sealed envelope(s) is required from the teacher certification authorities in all jurisdictions where you held a teacher’s certificate. The statement(s) confirm(s) your teacher certification standing in the jurisdiction(s), and must not be more than twelve months old.  Please note that the statement is not a copy of your teacher’s certificate nor is it an attestation regarding your teaching.
  • Proof of Teaching Service: If applicable, include verification of teaching service, from the appropriate authority confirming years taught and number of days taught per school year.

Bring materials to put into a professional portfolio (see section 6). 

Bring job references.

Register with ISANS.

Connect with an employment specialist at ISANS.

Take any relevant online courses offered by ISANS on language, orientation, employment and cultural competency. Below are a list of courses offered online by ISANS for pre-arrival clients:

  • Introduction to Nova Scotia
  • Job Search Strategies Workshops
  • Working in Canada
  • Canadian Workplace Integration
  • Workplace Writing I
  • Workplace Writing II
  • Workplace Writing III
  • Clear Speaking
  • Teaching EAL Literacy Learners
  • Soft Skills: Professional Communication
  • Soft Skills: Working With Others
  • Writing Emails
  • Grammar Practice
  • Listening and Speaking at Work
  • Professional Mentoring Program

You will have to register with ISANS as a client first.

Visit here to get started. (Read More 1)

Advice

Contact the Office of Teacher Certification to make sure that you have the right documents.

(See Section 5 for contact information)

Landed & Pre-certification

Challenges

Understanding:

  • the education system in Nova Scotia and how to navigate it.
  • the criteria for teacher certification (see section 5).
  • the process of applying for teacher certification (see section 5).
  • what you need to do to upgrade your education to be eligible to apply for teacher certification.
  • alternative careers if you are not eligible to apply (see section 6).

Preparation

Review Teach in Nova Scotia: An Orientation for Internationally Educated Teachers and any other relevant links. 

Make sure you include all of the required documents listed in the application package on the Nova Scotia Office of Certification website (see section 5).

Connect with an employment specialist at ISANS.  Take communication courses at ISANS.  Visit here to see a complete list of these courses. (Read More 2) .

Get cross cultural training at ISANS. Visit here for more information. (Read More 3)

Ask about the Professional Mentoring Program at ISANS.  Visit here for more information. (Read More 4)

Look into non-teaching positions to gain experience in a Canadian workplace (see section 6).

Look into volunteering for organizations where you can utilize your teaching skills to gain experience (see section 6).

Visit universities to investigate upgrading.

Request informational interviews at alternative workplaces (see section 6).

Post-certification

Challenges

Understanding the:

  • teaching system, standards, methodology and resources in Nova Scotia (see section 3).
  • job market in Nova Scotia(see section 6).
  • different teaching positions you are eligible to apply for (see section 6).
  • the process of looking, applying, interviewing and securing a position(see section 6).

Preparation

Review Teach in Nova Scotia: An Orientation for Internationally Educated Teachers and any other relevant links.

Take the Job Search Strategies Workshops at ISANS if you have not done so pre-arrival.

Scan job search sites daily for teaching positions (see section 6).

Look at labor market information (see section 6).

Prepare and practice a 30 second introduction (see section 6).

Do practice interviews at ISANS. Visit here for more information. (Read More 5)

Request informational interviews with potential employers (see section 6).

Ask about the Professional Practice Program at ISANS. Visit here for more information. (Read More 6)

Prepare a professional portfolio.

Apply for teaching positions.

Write cover letters and prepare your resume.

Post-employment

Challenges

Understanding:

  • your employment contract and Teachers’ Agreement.
  • the working culture in Nova Scotia.
  • communicating effectively with students, colleagues and families.

Preparation

Take Working in Canada and Canadian Workplace Integration if you have not done so pre-arrival.

Participate in professional learning opportunities (see section 4).

Join committees.

Volunteer for events in the school.

Join a Parent Teacher Organization or Student Advisory Council (see section 3).

Ask about the Professional Mentorship Program at ISANS. Visit here for more information. (Read More 7)

Advice

Get a good start with accurate and relevant information from reliable sources pre-arrival so you will be well prepared when you arrive.

(See Section 8 for Supports & Resources)

Useful Checklist

  • More Reading

    Read More 1: Get Started at ISANS

    Get Started at ISANS Webpage

  • More Reading

    Read More 2: English for Work & Business

    ISANS English for Work & Business Webpage

  • More Reading

    Read More 3: Workplace Culture Program

    ISANS Workplace Culture Program Webpage

  • More Reading

    Read More 4: Professional Mentors

    ISANS Professional Mentors Webpage

  • More Reading

    Read More 5: Practice Interviews

    ISANS Practice Interviews Webpage

  • More Reading

    Read More 6: Professional Practice Program

    ISANS Professional Practice Program Webpage

  • More Reading

    Read More 7: Professional Mentors

    ISANS Professional Mentors Webpage