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Becoming a Teacher in New Brunswick

Apr 01, 2025

Shaping young minds, sparking curiosity, and making a lasting difference—teaching is more than just a job; it’s a calling. If you're drawn to the idea of guiding students through their educational journey in New Brunswick, this guide will take you through everything you need to know. From training options and certification steps to landing your first teaching job, we’ve got you covered.

Requirements for Becoming a School Teacher in New Brunswick

The journey to become a teacher varies by province in Canada, and in New Brunswick, teachers must hold a New Brunswick Teacher’s Certificate issued by the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. This certificate is required for employment in the province’s public school system.

To qualify for a teaching certificate in New Brunswick, candidates must meet academic and professional standards, which include completing a recognized teacher education program, fulfilling language proficiency requirements, and demonstrating fitness to teach.

Is There a Specific Degree Required?

To be eligible for certification in New Brunswick, prospective teachers must:

Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) that includes an accredited Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program from a recognized institution.
Have completed an approved teacher education program, covering topics such as curriculum instruction, professional studies, and child development.
Demonstrate proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction in the school they intend to teach in.
Complete a 12-18 week practicum (student teaching experience) as part of their teacher education program. This hands-on experience is supervised by mentor teachers and university faculty, ensuring that new educators develop practical classroom skills before becoming certified.

If you have already completed a non-education bachelor's degree, you will need to enroll in a consecutive B.Ed. program at an accredited institution.

Where Can You Study to Become a Teacher in New Brunswick?

There are multiple institutions in New Brunswick that offer concurrent and consecutive teacher education programs, including French-language programs. Some of the main options include:

University of New Brunswick (UNB) – Offers both B.Ed. and Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs with specializations. UNB also provides a concurrent B.Ed. program, allowing students to earn their education degree while completing their undergraduate studies.
St. Thomas University (STU) – Provides a consecutive B.Ed. program focusing on elementary and secondary education.
Université de Moncton – Offers French-language teacher education programs for those planning to teach in Francophone schools. It also has concurrent education programs for students pursuing their first degree alongside teacher training.
Crandall University – A private university that offers a concurrent and consecutive B.Ed. program designed to prepare teachers for the public and private education systems.

Prospective teachers should check with each institution regarding program length, admission requirements, and course specializations.

Certification Process in New Brunswick

The certification process is managed by the Office of Teacher Certification within the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Steps to Apply for Certification:

Obtain an Education Degree – Complete a B.Ed. program from a recognized institution.
Submit an Application – Complete an application form and apply through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Provide Supporting Documents – These include official transcripts, proof of identity, a criminal record check, and a statement of professional standing if applying from outside New Brunswick.
Meet Language Proficiency Requirements – Proof of English or French proficiency may be required.
Pay Application Fees – There are non-refundable fees associated with certification processing.
Wait for Processing – Certification processing times may vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date.

Once approved, you will receive your New Brunswick Teacher’s Certificate, allowing you to apply for teaching positions in public schools across the province.

Interim Teacher’s Certificate (ITC) in New Brunswick

An Interim Teacher’s Certificate (ITC) is a provisional certification issued to educators who meet most, but not all, of the requirements for full certification. This allows them to work in New Brunswick’s public school system while fulfilling any outstanding conditions for full certification.

Key Facts About the ITC:

Typically granted to new graduates, internationally trained teachers, or those transferring from other provinces who must meet additional New Brunswick-specific requirements.
Valid for a limited time, often one year, but may be renewable depending on the circumstances.
Allows teachers to work while completing required coursework, assessments, or language proficiency standards.
Once all requirements are met, an ITC can be upgraded to a full New Brunswick Teacher’s Certificate (NBTC).

For details on eligibility and application procedures, visit the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.

Teaching in Canada’s Only Officially Bilingual Province

New Brunswick is unique in Canada as the only officially bilingual province, offering opportunities for both English and French-speaking teachers. The province’s education system is divided into Anglophone and Francophone school districts, ensuring that students receive instruction in their first language while also having opportunities to develop proficiency in the other official language.

Bilingualism is highly valued in New Brunswick, and teachers with strong English and French skills may have additional opportunities for employment. French immersion programs are also in high demand, creating roles for teachers who can support students in acquiring their second language.

Public schools in New Brunswick fall under seven school districts:

Anglophone School Districts:

Anglophone North
Anglophone South
Anglophone East
Anglophone West

Francophone School Districts:

Francophone Nord-Est
Francophone Nord-Ouest
Francophone Sud

Whether you’re fluent in one or both official languages, New Brunswick offers a dynamic teaching environment that reflects Canada’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a teacher in New Brunswick involves fulfilling educational and certification requirements, but the effort is well worth it. Whether you are starting your journey, transitioning from another province, or coming from abroad, understanding the process will help you navigate the path to becoming an educator in this province.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website here.

*This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, but requirements and processes may change. Always refer to official sources to confirm details before applying.