The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Education Authority (KEA) is looking for teachers and tutors for various positions at the new Aglace Chapman Education Centre in Big Trout Lake.
The facility, which opened last year, has students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12 in the community of 1,800.
“It’s something that was a long time coming,” KEA director Mike McKay said. “It took about 50 years to get to the points where we got that school opened.
“It’s a big boost for our community. Now our youth have a chance to finish high school here in KI (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug) and it keeps them close to home with family.”
While KI is a fly-in community, McKay is quick to point out that it’s not as remote or isolated like one might think.
“We have six flights out a day from here to Sioux Lookout during the week, two flights on Saturday and one flight on Sunday,” McKay said.
“So, you can get in and out of the community, plus there’s stores here so we have everything that someone would need.”
The KEA is looking for teachers that fill the following criteria:
- know, or are ready to learn, sound, effective, high-yield teaching strategies.
- will implement an adapted Ontario curriculum tailored specifically for KI students.
- work independently in a classroom or school assignment, as well as a member of a school team.
- enjoy and thrive while living in a fly-in community rich in a traditional lifestyle, culture, and history.
- demonstrate the emotional and social intelligence necessary to work as a team.
- can -participate in traditional KI outdoor activities as part of the school program.
- will relocate to Big Trout Lake First Nation in mid-August to be ready for the school year by late August.
“What we usually do is have a chartered flight from Thunder Bay from wherever they are coming from up to KI to start the school year and we do the same for the Christmas break when they are going back home,” McKay said. “Then we do that all again in the summer when the school year ends.”
The KEA also offers free housing, which is based on shared or private accommodations, relocations costs and transportations substitutes and a pension and benefits package.
Those who are interested in applying for a position can do so by visiting the KEA website.
