Classroom Assistants (Volunteer)

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 2025 - June 2026 (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

Essential Background:

- 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)

About Cuso International and Participating Schools

Cuso International

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

We seek individuals who share our values and are dedicated to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities

Launched in 2017, the Canadian Program has a strong commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories. Its goals include addressing low graduation rates, enhancing education outcomes, and fostering truth and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous citizens.

Beaufort Delta Education Council

The most northerly school board in the Northwest Territories with all eight communities and nine schools located north of the Arctic Circle, the BDEC serves 1382 students in the region and is responsible for about 200 administrators, teachers and support staff. Cuso International is currently working with the schools in Aklavik, Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk.

South Slave Divisional Education Council

Responsible for the education of approximately 1300 (JK-12) students in the South Slave region, the Council's mission is to strive to prepare students to create their futures. Their primary responsibility is to provide for the educational needs of the students of the South Slave region. Cuso International is currently working with the schools in Fort Resolution and Hay River.

Benefits

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.