Partnership prepares bilingual teachers for Nunavut schools

Posted: October 17, 2012 8:55 a.m.

Nunavut Teacher Education Program Instructor Ainsley Hunt (left) and students at Pond Inlet, Nunavut. Photo: Faculty of Education

A partnership between the Nunavut Teacher Education Program (NTEP), Nunavut Arctic College, and the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina is preparing bilingual Inuktitut and English teachers to work within Nunavut schools.

The success of this partnership, originally formed in 2007, has been challenging but worthwhile said James McNinch, dean of the Faculty of Education. On Thursday, October 18 he, along with the Nunavut Arctic College, will sign a continuation of the agreement to offer this programming. 

“The Faculty of Education has worked closely and respectfully with First Nations and Métis partners for the past 40 years,” said McNinch.

“Our first five years working with Inuit partners in Nunavut have been beneficial for everyone involved. We look forward to our continuing partnership and progress in the critical field of Indigenous teacher education,” he said.

The Faculty has engaged in the creation, support, and recognition of a distinctive NTEP Bachelor of Education in elementary education and is expanding on this program by developing a middle years concentration.

The renewal of the partnership agreement will take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2012 in Room 228 of the Education Building.