YELLOWKNIFE (November 1, 2022) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is piloting Northwest Territories (NWT) Competency-Based Educator Standards for certified teachers this fall. These Standards identify professional expectations and guide professional development for all certified Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (JK-12) teachers in the territory.
The Standards are intended to form the basis of how JK-12 educators are evaluated by principals, as well as how they are supported through a variety of professional development and training opportunities over the course of their career within the NWT education system.
The Standards identify the knowledge, skills and values a successful NWT educator should be able to demonstrate and model for students. They are also designed to support educators in self-reflection and self-directed professional learning and development.
The GNWT will introduce the Standards to educators in November 2022 through a small-scale pilot, which includes an educator survey, Q&A sessions, and the opportunity to participate in an in-school trial in January 2023.
Feedback from the pilot will be used to refine the Standards and inform the development of a renewed model for teacher growth and evaluation, which is anticipated to be implemented in the 2024/25 school year.
Quote(s)
“The implementation of these Standards will ensure that educators are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to create classroom environments where NWT students can thrive. The Standards reflect the belief that everyone in a student’s life plays a vital role in their education, including teachers, parents, families and communities. The Standards highlight the importance of ensuring that the NWT’s unique traditions, cultures, languages and history are reflected in the territory’s education system.”
- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
Quick facts
- The GNWT developed the draft NWT Competency-Based Educator Standards in part by reviewing standards and best practices in Nunavut, British Columbia and Australia.
- NWT education body superintendents and the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association were actively engaged in the development process and will continue to have input on the Standards.
- The Standards guide educators in their instruction and development over time, so students and families likely won't notice any immediate changes at the classroom level.
- Developing competency-based educator standards and an associated growth and development model for the NWT JK-12 education system was included in Minister Simpson’s mandate letter for the 19th Legislative Assembly.
- While these are the NWT’s first professional Educator Standards, NWT educators have always been required to maintain and meet high standards to obtain teacher certification, such as a Bachelor of Education, early childhood educator diploma, or have education and proficiency in an Indigenous language.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
