Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, January 30, 2008

RANKIN INLET - A total of five would-be teachers remain in the foundation year of their training in Rankin Inlet.

Ten students began the program this past September.

The students must complete the foundation year before entering the four-year Nunavut Teacher's Education Program (NTEP), which is being delivered through Nunavut Arctic College's Kivalliq campus in Rankin.

Kathleen Merritt helps Grade 1 student Shayla Manernaluk with her work at Leo Ussak elementary school in Rankin Inlet this past week. Merritt spends one day a week at the school as part of the Nunavut Teachers Education Program's foundation year. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Campus director Mike Shouldice said the year gives students the chance to see if they're a good fit for teaching, and ensures they have the academic credentials for the program and are able to meet the transfer agreements for their degree upon completion.

He said the community-based NTEP is negotiated with the local District Education Authority, and is separate from the Nunavut government's review and expansion plans to bring the program to Rankin on a permanent basis.

"The community-based program was last held in Arviat for a five-year period and will rotate to another community following Rankin," said Shouldice.

"After the foundation year, students carry on for a three-year diploma and then do a fourth year for their degree.

"Those in the foundation year will be joined by another intake of students for year one of the NTEP.

"Those students will be academically prepared for the NTEP and won't require the foundation year."

Kathleen Merritt, 19, said she decided to enrol for the NTEP when she found out it was available in her home community.

"I always wanted to be a teacher when I was younger, but I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do during my high school years," said Merritt.

"When I heard the NTEP was offered here it seemed like a great opportunity and, as I did more research on it, my interest grew."

The students spend one day a week at a local school as part of their practical training.

Merritt said she loves her time with the students at Leo Ussak elementary school.

"The kids have been great and I can't believe how smart they are with their reading and writing.

"It's been great to see a day in the life of a teacher.

"You realize how much preparation and planning needs to be done just for a single day."

Merritt said local teachers have been very supportive of her efforts.

She said almost every one she meets offers her words of encouragement.

"I'm in Kim Faulkner's Grade 1 class and, when she found out I was coming, she told me just how great the kids are.

"She really got me excited about coming into her class.

"I've been loving every minute of the program, so far, especially since we started our practicum.

"I look forward to every Wednesday now."