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: Vice-Principal/Counsellor
Start Date: August 24, 2026
WATSON LAKE SECONDARY SCHOOL (WLS) – Watson Lake
Home to the Liard First Nation people, Watson Lake Secondary School is one of 11 Yukon schools who have joined the newly established First Nation School Board (FNSB) in the Yukon. Kaska is the traditional language of the Liard First Nation people.
Watson Lake Secondary School is an 8-12 school with approximately 90 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, 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 with a demonstrated commitment to continuing education;
- Experience as an educational leader at the high school level, providing teachers and school-based staff with instructional leadership, support and mentorship;
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Experience working with a multidisciplinary team to develop, write, monitor and evaluate Individual Education Plans, Student Learning Plans, Behaviour Plans, and Safety Plans;
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Additional post-secondary coursework or experience in related fields such as guidance counselling is an asset.
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Experience timetabling and scheduling at the high school level as well as post-secondary planning and student data management is an asset;
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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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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;
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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;
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Keenness to live, work, and participate as an active trusted member of the Watson Lake community as a whole;
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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 developmentally responsive approaches and supports;
- 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;
- 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.
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:
- Educators also receive an annual community allowance and rural retention allowance, as outlined in the 2024-2027 Collective Agreement, totalling $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 Ryan! Ryan Hewgill, Principal
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