Classroom Assistants 2024-2025

Volunteer Location : Various schools in the Northwest Territories, Canada

Please note that this is not a remote opportunity and requires physical presence in the Northwest Territories for the entire duration.

Placement duration : August 24, 2024 - June 25, 2025 (school year)

Language Requirements : English Level 5-Fluent

Eligibility : Open to Canadian Citizens (including Permanent Residents and Open Work permit holders) and United Kingdom Citizens only

The Volunteer’s Role

Ready to make a lasting impact? Join us as we work together towards making a positive lasting difference in Indigenous communities!

Your role volunteering as a Classroom Assistant will be invaluable in the classroom. You will have the incredible opportunity to use your skills as an educator to inspire and motivate students in Indigenous communities. By sharing your knowledge and worldly experiences, you will inspire students to learn, pursue higher education, and most importantly, believe in their potential!

As a volunteer in the classroom, you will play an integral role in the e-learning program for students in grades 4-12. By connecting your classroom to a network of other classrooms in various schools in Northern Canada, you will help students gain access to classes that may not otherwise be available in their remote communities. Collaborating with assigned teachers, including the host teacher, you'll actively participate in both classroom and extracurricular activities through community events year-round. This will provide you with a unique chance to engage with the community and build meaningful connections. By being an active member of the community, you will not only contribute to the student's education but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for indigenous cultures.

If you're a self-motivated individual with a passion for teaching and a genuine interest in learning about indigenous cultures, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Join us as we work towards a brighter future together.

As a volunteer, you will :

• Work at the school as a tutor, with preference given to candidates who have previous experience teaching Math and / or Science
• Provide assistance to students during lessons under the direct supervision of the headteacher
• Monitor the progress of the students and report back to the classroom teachers
• Accompany and supervise students during activities in the school gym, labs, libraries, resource centers and on field trips
• Participate in fundraising events at the school and community level
• Contribute to other areas based on your skills, training, and interests, as well as the school's needs. Areas may include computer instruction, art, music, sports or other hobbies.

Essential Requirements :

• Hold a completed university degree or college diploma
• Ability to pass the vulnerable sector police check
• Must be currently residing in Canada
• Experience teaching or presenting material to children and youth, particularly students with special needs.
• Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples in Canada (experience working with Indigenous Peoples is an asset)
• Strong understanding of working with High School age students
• Display an understanding of different learning styles
• Be culturally sensitive and have an openness to learning about different cultures
• Be computer literate and knowledgeable of technology
• Have previous volunteer or work experience, either in Canada or in other countries
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!

Each volunteer placement is a unique experience. Read about the impact of previous volunteers in Northern Canada :

Parker Willis (Fort Resolution), Margot Ferguson (Hay River), Nina Spitzer (Fort Good Hope and Inuvik), Patrick Woodcock (Paulatuk), Kim Quy Nguyen (Fort Resolution), Niroja Thirugnanasampanthar (Fort Providence), Lois Boody (Fort Resolution), Katharine Horne (Hay River), Richard Marlow (Fort McPherson), Nathan Burrows (Fort McPherson), Jana Kasparova (Tuktoyaktuk)

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle similar to local living standards. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (eg. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation while in placement
• Emergency Medical Insurance
• Airfare to and from placement
• Online pre-departure training
• On-the-ground support through our Cuso International office
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return

Selection Requirements

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to :

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following the World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International works with poor, vulnerable and marginalized people, mainly women and girls, to eradicate poverty and inequality. We understand the need to uphold and enforce the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

At Cuso International, we believe that all people, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity or disability have the right to live lives free of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Cuso International considers all forms of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse to be incompatible with fundamental belief in the human dignity of all people, international and national agreements and standards, and its core values. Cuso International volunteers must agree to uphold the Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Prevention of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse polices and Code of Conduct.