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Northwest Territories Substitute Teacher Requirements | CertifiedSub | CertifiedSub
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Northwest Territories Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

4

Required Items

4

Optional/Recommended

Required Requirements
You must meet all of these requirements to become a substitute teacher in Northwest Territories.

Education Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement to work as a classroom supervisor (substitute teacher) in Northwest Territories. A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) is preferred and may qualify candidates for higher pay rates, but it is not required. Due to ongoing teacher shortages, education bodies or district education authorities across Northwest Territories are actively hiring classroom supervisors who do not hold a B.Ed. degree. Classroom supervisors perform the same day-to-day duties as substitute teachers, including following lesson plans, managing classrooms, and supervising students. Candidates with post-secondary education in any field, relevant work experience with children, or educational assistant credentials may be given preference during the hiring process.

Background Check

A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is mandatory. The check must be current and is submitted to the education body or school board. Given the close-knit nature of northern communities, background checks are taken very seriously and must be completed before any assignment.

Age Requirements

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age, the age of majority in the Northwest Territories. This ensures that substitute teachers meet the legal threshold for assuming responsibility for the care and supervision of students.

Application Process

Candidates apply directly to individual education bodies or district education authorities in Northwest Territories to be placed on the classroom supervisor or substitute teacher roster. Most boards accept applications through their online portals or human resources departments. The typical application requires a resume, proof of education (high school diploma or higher), a current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, government-issued photo identification, and two to three professional references. Some boards may also require a brief interview or orientation session before adding candidates to their active roster. Processing times vary by board but generally range from two to six weeks.

Recommended / Optional
These may help your application or are recommended but not strictly required.

Teaching Certification

A provincial teaching certificate is not required to work as a classroom supervisor in Northwest Territories. Candidates who hold a valid NWT Teaching Certificate issued by Department of Education, Culture and Employment may be offered preferential placement, higher daily pay rates, or priority access to long-term assignments. However, the classroom supervisor role was created specifically to address teacher shortages by allowing individuals without formal teaching credentials to fill substitute positions. School boards set their own criteria for classroom supervisors, and requirements may vary between education bodies or district education authorities.

Language Requirements

The NWT recognizes 11 official languages, including English and French. English is the primary language of instruction in most schools. Knowledge of Indigenous languages such as Tlicho, Dene, or Inuvialuktun is a strong asset for placements in community schools.

Training/Orientation

Education bodies may require substitute teachers to complete orientation covering northern cultural awareness, community protocols, emergency procedures specific to remote and isolated schools, and student support practices. Cultural competency training is strongly encouraged.

First Aid/CPR

Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification is strongly recommended and may be required, particularly in remote communities where access to emergency medical services is limited. Wilderness First Aid training is an additional asset for northern postings.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the NWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment page. Note: Classroom supervisor positions may have different requirements than certified teaching positions. Contact individual education bodies or district education authorities directly for the most current classroom supervisor hiring criteria.

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