US Teachers Looking to Move to Canada

Teachers who hold a valid teaching license in the United States and seek better career opportunities may be able to teach in Canada. Teachers across the nation are looking for jobs in other countries due to the Trump administration’s dismantling of public education.

Transferring your teaching license is not automatic, you will need to apply for certification in whichever Canadian province you choose, and each province has its own rules. Many American-trained teachers do qualify, especially if they have a Bachelor of Education or higher, and have relevant classroom experience.

Step 1: Decide on a Province or Territory

Teaching certifications are not handled federally, they are handled by individual provinces just like certifications are handled by individual states in the US. For example, in Ontario it is the Ontario College of Teachers, and in British Colombia it is the BC Teacher Regulation Branch.

Step 2: Meet the Minimum Requirements

Most of the 13 provinces require:

• A Bachelor’s of Education or the equivalent pedagogical training
• A certain number of hours of practicum experience
• Recent classroom experience

Step 3: Apply for Teaching Certification

You will have to pay an application fee and likely have to submit:

• Degree transcripts
• Teaching license or certification
• Reference letters
• Employment verification
• A criminal background check
• Proof of English or French proficiency if necessary

Step 4: Apply for Immigration

Getting a teaching certification does not automatically give you the right to live/work in Canada—you still need a work permit or permanent residency (PR).

Options include:

-Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) – Teachers are often on Canada’s in-demand occupations list.

-Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Especially if a province wants teachers.

-Job offer from a Canadian school (can help with work permit or LMIA)

Teachers are in high demand in some Canadian provinces, especially:

• French teachers
• STEM teachers
• Teachers in rural and remote locations
• Special education professionals
• Mental health specialists
• Indigenous language and culture teachers
• English as a Second Language teachers

Getting a teaching license and securing a position in Canada is possible and worth it if you are committed.

So where are teachers in the most demand in Canada?

1: Northern and Remote Areas (Across Canada)

• Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Northern parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
  – Often face chronic teacher shortages
  – Offer higher pay, relocation support, housing subsidies, and signing bonuses
• Great demand for: Generalist teachers (K–12), Special education, and Indigenous language and culture educators

2: Ontario

• French-speaking teachers are in high demand—especially in Catholic and Francophone school boards
  – Special education and STEM teachers are also highly sought after
  – Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Peel District School Board are large and competitive, but smaller districts may have more urgent needs

3: British Columbia

• Rural school districts like School District 91 (Nechako Lakes) and School District 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) are looking for full-time and relief/substitute teachers

4: Alberta & Saskatchewan

• Ongoing need in rural communities
• Indigenous education specialists, career and tech education, and inclusive education are growing areas

5: Quebec

• Major demand for English-speaking teachers, especially in areas like Montreal, Gatineau, and Estrie
• Dual-language (English/French) capacity is a huge advantage
• Provincial shortage declared in 2023–2024 and expected to continue

7: Nova Scotia & Newfoundland

• Smaller provinces, but some hard-to-staff positions exist, especially outside city centers
• Nova Scotia launched incentives for teachers to work in rural and underserved schools

You can browse current job openings at:

• Makeafuture.ca – BC school jobs
• ApplytoEducation.com – Most provinces, especially Ontario
• Education Canada Network
• Individual school district websites (many post jobs directly)