Ukrainian school teachers face various challenges when endeavouring to become teachers in Canada. Firstly, they need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, as effective communication is vital for teaching in Canadian schools. Secondly, their teaching qualifications and credentials from Ukraine must be assessed for equivalency to Canadian standards. Additional requirements, such as further coursework or examinations, may be necessary to meet provincial or territorial regulations. Thirdly, adapting to the Canadian education system, teaching methods, and classroom practices poses a significant hurdle, requiring Ukrainian teachers to familiarize themselves with Canadian curriculum frameworks and assessment methods.

Furthermore, understanding and adhering to local education policies and building professional networks can be challenging without prior experience in the Canadian education system. Lastly, participating in professional development activities to enhance knowledge and acquire relevant certifications further contribute to Ukrainian teachers' challenges. Through thorough research and engagement with local educational authorities and teacher regulatory bodies, Ukrainian teachers can navigate these challenges and work towards their goal of becoming teachers in Canada.

The first section of this guide will apply to Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada through Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) pathway. The following section will apply to those who have an approved open work permit or have been granted permanent residency.

Applying for an Open-Work Permit

As a Ukrainian newcomer who arrived in Canada through the Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) pathway, if you aspire to build a teaching career in Canada using an open-work permit, here's what you can do:

1. Ensure you have what you need: To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents.

2. Create an online account or sign in to an existing account: An account is required to apply online and provides access to various functionalities. Once signed in, follow these steps:

   • Visit the Start your application section on the account welcome page.

   • Click on "Apply to come to Canada."

   • On the following page, scroll down to the "I do not have a personal reference code" section.

   • Select the "Work permit" option.

   • Continue with the application process, including submitting your application forms and checking your application status.

3. Get your document checklist: Answer the questions accurately. 

   • Select "Work" when asked about your purpose in Canada.

   • Choose "Temporarily - more than 6 months" for your intended stay duration.

   • Workers and students should select "Worker" as their current immigration status.

   • Answer "Yes" if any of the provided options apply to your situation.

   • Answer "No, I am exempt from paying fees for the application" regarding the application fees.

   • Answer "Yes" if you have had a medical exam by an authorized panel physician within the last 12 months.

   • Read the instruction guide thoroughly before filling out the application forms.

   • For applications under the public policy, follow these instructions when filling out the work permit application form:

     • Select "Open Work Permit" as the type of work permit.

     • Specify "UKRAINE 2022" as the Job title.

     • Enter "Ukraine 2022 public policy - open work permit" in the Brief description of duties field.

     • Provide the desired Start date for your work permit, but note that the finalization may not align precisely with this date.

     • You can request an End date up to 3 years from the Start date.

     • Ensure that the requested End date does not surpass the expiry date of your passport.

4. Upload the correct documents: 

   • Letter of fee exemption: Upload proof of fee exemption stating, "I am exempt from paying fees under the Ukraine special measures."

   • Passport: Upload a copy of your Ukrainian passport or the document used for travel to Canada.

   • Digital photo: Upload a digital photo of yourself.

   • Family Information Form (IMM 5707): Fill out and upload the Family Information Form (IMM 5707).

   • Panel physician receipt (if applicable): Upload proof of upfront medical exam if you have undergone one.

   • Additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation. Please ensure that the documents you upload are within the file size limit of 4 MB per file. If your files exceed this limit, consider reducing the file size before uploading.

Becoming a School Teacher

Once your open work permit has been approved or once you’ve been granted permanent residency, here are the general steps you would need to follow to become a school teacher in Alberta:

1. Research Alberta Teacher Certification Requirements

Review the teacher certification requirements of the Alberta Ministry of Education and the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA). These requirements may include educational qualifications, language proficiency, and criminal record checks.

2. Assess Educational Credentials

Have your educational credentials assessed by an approved credential evaluator, such as the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or World Education Services (WES). This assessment determines how your Ukrainian qualifications compare to Canadian educational standards.

The most common university credentials evaluated at WES include the following:

• Diploma of Junior Specialist (Dyplom Molodshogo Spetsialista)

• Bachelor’s Degree (Dyplom Bakalavra)

• Diploma of Specialist (Dyplom Spetsialista)

• Master’s Degree (Dyplom Magistra)

• Doctor of Sciences (Kandydat Nauk)

Read below for more information on these credentials and their equivalency to Canadian credentials:

Diploma of Junior Specialist (Dyplom Molodshogo Spetsialista)

• 2—3 years of full-time study after completion of secondary education

  • Equal to a Canadian diploma (two years)

• 3—4 years of study after incomplete secondary education

  • Equal to a Canadian high school diploma and a diploma (two years)

Bachelor’s Degree (Dyplom Bakalavra)

• 4 years of full-time study after completion of secondary education

  • Equal to a Canadian bachelor’s degree (four years)

Diploma of Specialist (Dyplom Spetsialista)

• 5 years of full-time study after completion of secondary education

  • Equal to a bachelor’s and master’s degree

• 1—2 years of study after Dyplom Bakalavra

  • Equal to a Canadian master’s degree

Master’s Degree (Dyplom Magistra)

• 1 year of full-time study after diploma of specialist or two years of study after bakalavr

  • Equal to a Canadian master’s degree

Candidate of Sciences (Kandydat Nauk)

• Minimum 3 years of full-time study after magistra or diploma of specialist

  • Equal to a Canadian doctorate

If you did not complete your degree in higher education, WES offers an option to evaluate partially completed degrees. WES can provide an open-ended equivalency stating your major and the exact number of years of study. If you choose to attend a Canadian university, check out the several Faculty of Education degrees available in Alberta.

3. Language Proficiency

Demonstrate English proficiency by taking an approved language proficiency test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

An approved English language proficiency test is required in Canada for professionals seeking to work as teachers. The language proficiency test is intended to ensure effective communication and language competency in the classroom. In Canadian education systems, educators are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Classroom Communication: Teachers must communicate effectively with their students, colleagues, and parents/guardians. Proficiency in English ensures clear instruction, meaningful interactions, and the ability to address students' questions and concerns.

• Language Proficiency Standards: Maintaining language proficiency standards helps ensure teachers meet the language requirements outlined in the curriculum. This ensures that students receive quality education and understand the subject matter effectively.

• Student Support: Teachers play a vital role in supporting students' language development, especially for those whose first language may not be English. Proficiency in English enables teachers to provide appropriate language support, assess students' progress accurately, and facilitate their academic growth.

• Collaboration and Professional Development: English proficiency allows teachers to participate in professional development activities actively, collaborate with other educators, and contribute to the broader educational community. This fosters a culture of ongoing learning and promotes effective teaching practices.

• Integration into the Canadian Education System: Proficiency in English is necessary to understand and navigate the Canadian education system, including curriculum guidelines, assessment procedures, and administrative requirements. It ensures teachers can integrate seamlessly into the educational context and fulfill their roles effectively.

4. Apply for Alberta Teacher Certification

Apply for a teaching certificate through the Alberta Ministry of Education. This process involves submitting an application form, transcripts, educational credential assessment reports, language proficiency test results, and other required documents.

5. Criminal Record Check

To teach in Canada, you will need to undergo a criminal record check, including obtaining a Police Information Check (PIC) and Vulnerable Sector Check, per the Alberta Ministry of Education requirements. Once the checks are completed, you will receive the results. You can then submit the obtained criminal record check to the Alberta Ministry of Education as part of the teacher certification process.

6. Job Search

Begin your job search by exploring employment opportunities in Alberta's schools and school districts. Utilize online job portals, network, and contact school districts to inquire about available teaching or volunteer positions. You may also want to start by volunteering to get firsthand experience in Canadian classrooms. The Canadian school system also has substitute teachers which may be a good starting point for your teaching career in Canada. Substitute teachers are on-call to replace a teacher if they are unable to work.