This is an until–filled competition. Candidates are encouraged not to delay submitting their application as this posting can close at any time after 3 days. Resumes will be screened at regular intervals until the position is filled or the competition closes, whichever is earliest.
Nurturing Yukon learners through community wisdom.
Empower and inspire learners, families and communities to lead necessary change in education and society through Yukon First Nations ways.
Assignment: Primary Teacher - Permanent
Start Date: August 24, 2026
JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (JES) – Watson Lake
Home to the Liard First Nation people, Johnson Elementary School is one of 11 Yukon schools that have joined the newly established First Nation School Board (FNSB) in the Yukon. Dene zā́gī (Kaska) is the traditional language of the Liard First Nation people.
Johnson Elementary School is a K – 7 school with approximately 130 students. We are actively seeking committed and qualified educators who are dedicated to living in and being an active member of the community, and who can adapt well to a remote lifestyle. Our educational professionals value authentic relationships and are committed to working with students, community, administration, the Liard First Nation Education team and the FNSB to make positive, progressive changes to education outcomes for learners of Watson Lake.
For more information, please visit the and the
Qualifications and Experience
Please clearly demonstrate on your cover letter and resume how you meet the following qualifications and experience:
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Bachelor of Education;
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Recent practicum or experience teaching in a primary classroom (Grades 1-3) differentiating and adapting teaching, learning and assessment;
- Experience teaching in a multi-grade class with students performing at wide-ranging levels of achievement is an asset;
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Experience integrating self-regulation and social-emotional care practices in the classroom is an asset;
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Experience integrating outdoor-experiential learning activities into the core curriculum is an asset;
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Recent experience working with First Nation students and communities is an asset.
Desired Knowledge, Skills and Suitability
Candidates should have and may be assessed on their:
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Eagerness to learn about and integrate Liard First Nation (Kaska Dene) culture & worldview, and the Dene zā́gī (Kaska language) in the classroom;
- Ability to work collaboratively and maintain an authentic relationship with the Liard First Nation government, Daylu Dena Council Educational Support Workers (ESW), community Elders, and families, promoting greater community involvement in school-based activities and educational programming;
- Keenness to live, work, and participate as an active member of the Watson Lake community;
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Strong classroom management, planning and organizational skills, with the ability to motivate learners;
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Solid understanding of a philosophy of inclusive education, excellent interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills working with parents, staff members, coaches, the First Nation School Board and other partners;
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Demonstrated ability to implement restorative practice and positive behavioral interventions and supports;
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Demonstrated ability to plan, deliver and analyze in the integration of project-based learning to support curriculum outcomes;
- Strong understanding and experience with implementing on-the-land curriculum;
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Demonstrated ability to develop, support and implement Student Learning Plans, Behaviour Plans, Safety Plans and Individual Education Plans;
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Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with parents and caregivers, establishing cooperative and authentic connections to support the best school experience possible;
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Desire and passion for developing and maintaining strong and respectful relationships and trust with students, their families, and the community as a whole;
Additional Information
- To be a Teacher in Yukon, you must hold a Teacher Certification in another Canadian province/territory first;
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Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Criminal Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check.
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Relocation may be available.
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In communities outside of Whitehorse, there may be affordable, though modest rental accommodation (sometimes shared) provided by Yukon Housing Corporation. Private accommodation is limited. If not available, candidates will need to find their own private accommodation, with assistance where possible from the First Nation School Board. For more information on rural communities in the Yukon, visit: .
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Educators also receive an annual community allowance and rural retention allowance, as outlined in the 2024–2027 Collective Agreement, totaling $3,570 in additional annual compensation.
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Please note that candidates who hold a temporary work permit and require employer sponsorship for permanent residency or for a work permit are not eligible for employment with FNSB, as we are unable to provide sponsorship support. If this applies to you, we kindly ask that you refrain from applying at this stage. Proceeding with an application in these circumstances may result in the inability to screen to the next stage of the competitive process, even if you are otherwise a strong candidate. We share this information early to respect your time and the time of our community members involved in the hiring process.
To chat further about applying for the role, reach out to Lauren! Lauren Chapman, Teacher Recruitment Coordinator .
If you'd like to chat further about this assignment, the community or the school, please reach out to Wade! Wade Gemmell, Principal .
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