Primary Teacher, Multi-Grade Classroom

Special Education Qualifications and Experience Required

Position Primary Teacher, combined-grade classroom, with special education responsibilities

Employer Marten Falls First Nation Education, Henry Coaster Memorial School (JK–Grade 8)

Location Ogoki Post, Ontario (fly-in community, approx. 500 km north of Thunder Bay)

Reports to Principal

Employment Full-time, 2026–2027 school year; start date as soon as possible

Salary Based on QECO category placement (Category A to A4) and experience Accommodation Shared, furnished staff accommodation provided through MFFN

Posted September 22, 2026

Vacancy This posting is for an existing vacancy

Closing date Open until filled; applications reviewed as received

About Our School and Community

Henry Coaster Memorial School serves the children and families of Marten Falls First Nation, an Anishinaabe community on the Albany River in Northern Ontario. Our vision, Walking in Balance — Mino De'e Mino Maanjii'o, is grounded in the Three Pillars of Land, Language, and Culture and the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Learning at HCMS moves between the classroom and the land, and Oji-Cree language and culture are woven through the school day. Our staff work as a close, collaborative team alongside Elders, families, and community partners.

The Role

We are seeking a caring, skilled teacher to lead a combined-grade Primary classroom and to support students with diverse learning needs. You will hold high expectations for every child, plan purposeful lessons that meet the needs of more than one grade at a time, and work closely with the Principal, support staff, and families to help each student thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver lessons aligned with the Ontario curriculum for each grade in a combined-grade Primary classroom, with parallel expectations and differentiated tasks.
• Use play-based, inquiry-based, and land-based approaches that reflect the language, culture, and life of Marten Falls First Nation, integrating Oji-Cree language in partnership with language staff and Elders.
• Build strong foundations in early literacy, numeracy, oral language, and social-emotional learning using structured, research-informed practices.
• Provide special education support to students assigned by the Principal through targeted small-group and individual instruction.
• Develop, implement, and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs), including accommodations, modifications, and alternative programming, with the Principal, support staff, and service providers.
• Use diagnostic and ongoing assessment to plan next steps, and complete report cards for each grade, including IEP-linked reporting.
• Build trusting relationships with families and contribute to school life, including after-school clubs and community events.
• Fulfil all professional duties, including the duty to report child protection concerns to Tikinagan Child and Family Services under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.

Required Qualifications

• Certification in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers, with Primary Division qualifications.
• Special Education Additional Qualification (Part 1 minimum; Part 2 or Specialist an asset).
• Demonstrated experience teaching students with special education needs, including writing and implementing IEPs.
• Current QECO evaluation (Category A to A4), required before the start date.
• Offers of employment are conditional on a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check, reference checks, and verification of credentials.

• Experience teaching combined-grade classrooms.
• Experience in First Nations communities, or with land-based and culturally responsive teaching.
• Knowledge of Anishinaabe or Oji-Cree language and culture.
• Training in structured literacy, behaviour support, or Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

What We Offer

• A close-knit school team and a principal committed to coaching and professional growth.
• The opportunity to learn from Elders, families, and community members, and to teach on the land.
• Shared, furnished staff accommodation provided through Marten Falls First Nation.
• Salary based on QECO category and experience.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, résumé, proof of OCT certification and Special Education AQ, and three professional references (including a current or recent supervisor) to:

Tom Recke, Principal

Henry Coaster Memorial School

General Delivery, Ogoki Post, ON P0T 2L0

tom.recke@martenfalls.com | 807-349-2532

The selection process includes a structured interview and may include a teaching scenario or sample lesson. All interviewed candidates will be informed of the outcome within 45 days of their final interview. Accommodations are available on request at every stage of the hiring process. Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Qualified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit candidates are encouraged to apply and to self-identify.