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- calendar_today October 31, 2026
Sharp Increase in Unqualified Teachers in Nunavut
The number of teachers working in Nunavut classrooms under one-year letters of authority, which allow those without formal qualifications to teach, has almost doubled over the past five years. Figures provided by the Nunavut Department of Education show a rise from more than 50 unqualified teachers in the 2021-22 school year to 93 in 2025-26.
Mixed Reactions From Education Leaders
Nunavut Education Minister David Akeeagok stated he is not worried by this trend, emphasizing that the 93 teachers make up a relatively small percentage of the territory’s more than 800 educators. Akeeagok explained, "It's reflective of the need for us to make sure the school operates." The letters of authority, issued by the Department of Education, are meant for teaching positions that cannot be filled by those with a bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent.
In contrast, the president of the Nunavut Teachers’ Association, Justin Matchett, expressed concern, noting that unqualified teachers now represent 10 per cent of the teaching staff. "We rely heavily on these unqualified teachers, on the letter of authority teachers. We can't operate the schools without them," Matchett said.
Understanding Letters of Authority
Letters of authority are granted for one-year terms when schools are unable to fill positions with qualified educators. While these arrangements were once primarily used for language specialists, Matchett reported their use has broadened due to persistent teacher shortages, now covering a range of roles from classroom teachers to subject specialists.
Underlying Causes: Teacher Shortage and Retention
Minister Akeeagok attributes the increased reliance on teachers with letters of authority to a widespread shortage of qualified teachers across Canada. He highlighted ongoing efforts by Nunavut Arctic College to train local educators, with some previously unqualified teachers now obtaining certification. "We want to attract as many local teachers as we can," Akeeagok said, expressing hope for graduates to take up teaching positions in their communities.
Matchett, however, warned that the shortage has persisted for too long and is skeptical of using unqualified staff as a long-term fix. He underlined the impact on education quality, saying, "As a parent, if I know that one Grade 3 [classroom] that my daughter is in has an unqualified teacher and the other class has a qualified teacher, I'd be concerned about the level of education." He also identified teacher retention as a challenge, with many educators leaving the profession.
Professional Development Initiatives
The Department of Education offers orientation and professional development for teachers under letters of authority. Training sessions are ongoing, with more planned for the coming year. Akeeagok emphasized the department’s commitment to hiring qualified teachers, resorting to letters of authority only when necessary. Matchett acknowledged the benefit of professional development but expressed concern that the teachers’ union has no involvement in determining training content. He also stressed the challenge of consistently training new unqualified teachers, especially as Nunavut rolls out a new curriculum.
The Path Forward
While Nunavut continues to address an acute teacher shortage, opinions remain divided on the expanded use of unqualified teachers. Both education leaders agree that finding long-term solutions—such as increased training and improved retention of qualified educators—remains critical for the future of education in Nunavut classrooms.
Source: cbc.ca.
