Skip to main content

ᐁ ᒉᔅᒋᓈᑎᓰᐧᑖᐤ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᒉᓲᒡ

Teacher Training

As a way to guarantee a long-term, sustainable source of qualified, competent, and engaged Cree educators, the Cree School Board assumes its responsibility to create courses and training programs to qualify the Cree to become teachers who will teach in our schools.

The Cree Teacher Training Program collaborates with Office of First Nations and Inuit Education, in McGill University’s Faculty of Education, works in partnership to deliver community-based teacher education programs and professional development to Eeyou Istchee.

Blended Education

The programs are primarily offered in-community, with an option to study on campus at McGill University in Montreal, or online. Some programs are offered full-time or part-time.

Access to Enriched Education

While providing a high-quality education, the Cree School Board created enriched and customized course materials for all programs.

Building Teachers

The programs prepare our students to become certified teachers in our schools, or any other school in Quebec.

Application

Go to the registration website

Need Assistance?

We assist prospective Cree students who wish to apply to our open programs, guide them through the application process, and provide ongoing support during their studies. If you want more information about our open programs, please contact us! You can reach out to our administrative technician at:

Charlotte Kanatewat
819-855-2230 #2345

Department of Professional Development

819-855-2230 #2367

Charlene Erless
Coordinator of Professional Development
819-855-2230 #2351

Education Services
11 Maamuu Street
Chisasibi, QC, J0M 1E0

Program Information

You can speak with one of our education consultants based on your community, they will be able to provide information on all programs.

Whapmagoostui

Maggie George
819-929-3670

Chisasibi

Angela Tapiatic
819-855-2230 #2367

Wemindji and Eastmain

Jane Snowboy-Gilpin
819-527-2867

Waskaganish and Nemaska

Lorraine Diamond
(819) 895-8819 #5332

Mistissini

Mary Brien
418-923-3010 #229

304 Main Street
Mistissini, QC, G0W 1C0

Oujé-Bougoumou and Waswanipi

Jennifer Gull
819-355-3059

Programs

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) – Kindergarten and Elementary Education – First Nations and Inuit Studies

The Bachelor of Education - Kindergarten and Elementary Education - First Nations and Inuit Studies (B. Ed. FNIS) is entirely community-based and leads to a McGill Bachelor’s Degree and province-wide teacher certification with the Ministry of Education (MEES).

This program includes culturally centered teaching and curriculum courses that prepare students to be home room teachers in Eeyou Istchee courses. Courses in this program are delivered in Cree and English.

Admission Criteria

  • 23 years old with a high school diploma
    OR
    A CEGEP diploma holder (of any age)
  • A Cree beneficiary (living in the Cree communities)

If you do not meet the admission requirements, please contact your community consultant to discuss your situation.

  • Availability

    Closed

  • Length

    4 years, full-time

  • Credits

    120 credits

  • Assistance

    Available

  • Host communities

    Chisasibi, Waskaganish and Mistissini

Certificate in Education for First Nation and Inuit – Culture and Language

The Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit—Culture and Language is a program that provides an opportunity for Cree students to become qualified to teach in CSB schools.

Taken over 2 years in Cree communities, graduates of this program receive Quebec Ministère de l'Éducation certification to teach at the elementary level in schools in Cree territory and Nunavik. Courses in this program are centred on Cree culture and delivered in Cree.

Graduates may apply to continue in the B.Ed - First Nations and Inuit Studies or B. Ed for Certified Teachers.

Admission Criteria

  • 23 years old (students under 23 may be accepted under special circumstances)
    OR
    A CEGEP diploma holder
  • A Cree beneficiary (living in the Cree Communities)
  • Fluent Cree speaker

If you do not meet the admission requirements, please contact your community consultant to discuss your situation.

  • Availability

    Closed

  • Length

    2 years, full-time

  • Credits

    60 credits

  • Assistance

    Available

  • Host communities

    Chisasibi, Waskaganish and Mistissini

Certificate Indigenous Language and Literacy Education

The Certificate in Indigenous Language and Literacy Education program (formally known as Cree Literacy) is a program that includes Cree language courses, Cree writing course, and Cree culture courses.

Students following this course follow the same program of study as students enrolled in the Certificate of Education for First Nations and Inuit, Culture and Language.

Graduates earn a McGill University Certificate and may continue into the Certificate of Education for First Nations and Inuit, Culture and Language program.

Admission Criteria

  • 23 years old (students under 23 may be accepted under special circumstances
    OR
    A CEGEP diploma holder
  • A Cree beneficiary (living in the Cree Communities)
  • Fluent Cree speaker

If you do not meet the admission requirements, please contact your community consultant to discuss your situation.

  • Availability

    Closed

  • Length

    1 years, full-time

  • Credits

    30 credits

  • Assistance

    Available

  • Host Communities

    Chisasibi, Waskaganish and Mistissini

Certificate in Inclusive Education

The Certificate in Inclusive Education (formerly Certificate in Special Education) is a hands-on program, geared for those who face the complexities of educating or raising students and children with special needs on a daily basis.

The Certificate covers such diverse topics as behavioural issues, giftedness, learning difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program is administered by the McGill School of Continuing Studies.

Who Should Participate?

  • Classroom teachers (Elementary & Secondary)
  • Special Education Teachers
  • Teaching Assistants
  • Early Childhood Education professionals
  • Non-teaching professionals (speech therapists, psychologists, childcare workers.)
  • Principals, board administrators and consultants.
  • Parents and community members involved in schools.
  • Availability

    Closed

  • Length

    1 years, full-time

  • Credits

    30 credits