Teacher resignations in Naujaat, Nunavut, leaving vacancies at high school, raising concerns

A number of teachers have resigned in Naujaat, Nunavut, leaving half of the positions at the community's high school unfilled. 

Nunavut Teachers' Association president Justin Matchett says some teachers are on leave, while many have resigned and left the community altogether. 

"We've seen a large number of resignations happening. It's very concerning," Matchett said. "We don't have the full story of what's taking place, but we're just hearing snippets. What we've heard is causing a lot of alarm with us."

Some, he said, have resigned without the association knowing. 

CBC attempted to speak with teachers in the community but did not receive a response. 

The Naujaat District Education Authority also declined to speak for this story and directed CBC to the teacher's association and the government. 

"It's a pretty bad situation and we're wondering what's being done to support this community," Matchett said. 

Enough teachers to maintain programming, government says 

Nunavut's Department of Education also declined an interview request from CBC. 

In a statement, Matthew Illaszewicz, the director of stakeholder engagement with the Department of Education, said 10 of 21 teaching positions are filled at Tuugaalik High School in Naujaat. The school is also being led by an acting principal.

"There are enough teachers to maintain full-day programming. Long-term substitute teachers continue to work to cover the vacant positions," Illaszewicz wrote. 

The department said it's committed to providing support to students, staff and the Naujaat District Education Authority. 

"We are actively recruiting teachers and are seeking candidates who not only meet the educational and professional requirements but also share our passion for fostering positive and inclusive environments."

Matchett said the association is concerned Naujaat teachers aren't getting the support they need. 

"We're really hoping the employer is stepping up to support our members," he said. 

Nunavut has long struggled to hire and retain teachers in the territory. Matchett said this year has been no different. 

"The vacancies have been a huge issue this year. Schools are struggling outside of that. We really need our employer to step up and make Nunavut seem like a worthwhile place to come."

Matchett said the association is hoping to get more information on the resignations in Naujaat and work with the department to make things better. 

"We need our teachers to be protected. And right now I don't feel like that's happening as well as it could be," Matchett said.