NOC 41220: Secondary school teachers

The employment outlook will be Very good for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

After declining for several years, the youth population is now growing and this may lead to more employment opportunities over the forecast period, particularly in the province’s urban centres.

Many job openings in this occupation are filled by internal staffing, while new teachers may need to begin their careers under substitute and term contract employment.

A provincial teaching certificate or an interim teacher’s certificate and membership in the New Brunswick Teachers' Federation are required.

Prospects may be improved for those who have additional teaching certification and who are fluent in both official languages. Teachers are typically expected to work additional hours, outside of regularly scheduled school hours.

Many school districts in the province have reported teacher shortages and the number of opportunities will be greater in regions where these districts operate.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 1,800 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations

94% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 6% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 40% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 60% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 60% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 38% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Very good for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Persistent demand for teaching occupations remains at all levels of education in Alberta. Some schools in the province have been experiencing a shortage of secondary school teachers.

In March 2025, the Alberta government announced a $1.1 billion investment to hire more school staff, including teachers, as part of its $9.8 billion education budget.

Starting in Budget 2025, the Government of Alberta is committing $8.6 billion to the School Construction Accelerator Program. The program will fund the construction of new schools to create 50,000 spaces for students over the next three years. Over the long term, the program aims to create a total of 200,000 student spaces over the next seven years.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Alberta:

Approximately 8,750 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 20% for all occupations

90% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 10% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 43% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 72% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 24% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Very good for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Nunavut has four regional school operations offices: Qikiqtani, Kivalliq, Kitikmeot, and the Commission scolaire francophone du Nunavut.

Each regional school operations office hires its own education employees.

Staffing shortages in Nunavut's education sector were present at the start of the fall 2025 school year, with 21% of teaching positions vacant (

Nunavut News, August 30, 2025

). Naujaat and Whale Cove had the largest number of vacancies.

A housing shortage, particularly in rural communities, is also affecting the territory’s ability to recruit and retain qualified teachers.

Local training for this occupation is available at Nunavut Arctic College, which offers the Nunavut Teacher Education Program. The Program can lead to a Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor of Education degree--in partnership with Memorial University. The program aims to prepare graduates to teach Kindergarten through Grade 6 in Inuktut.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Nunavut:

Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Educational services (NAICS 61): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 87% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

95% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 5% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 52 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 44% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 48% compared to 10% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 26% compared to 6% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Growth in the number of positions in the public education system is generally limited by budgetary pressures, though recent growth of the school-aged population has resulted in the creation of new positions. Opportunities may vary depending on a jobseeker's teachable subjects. Teachers with French and/or Math backgrounds are in highest demand, and some opportunities for teaching English as a Second Language has been noted. It can still be challenging for many new teachers to secure a permanent position, and it may require being mobile, as there can sometimes be less competition in rural or isolated communities. Shortages of substitute teachers still periodically occur, creating opportunities for new graduates who have not yet secured a full-time position to gain some experience. Enrolment in private schools has been expanding and this is expected to continue, offering additional job opportunities, mostly in the Halifax area.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,650 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations

95% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 5% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 41% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 59% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 42% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 55% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

Some growth is expected over the forecast period, as the provincial student population has recently increased for the first time in decades. The ability to create new positions is dependent on government funding. The provincial government has indicated a need for teacher recruitment and retention to be a priority, in light of reported shortages across the country. However, it can still be challenging for many new teachers to secure a permanent position.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 950 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations

90% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 10% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 44% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 42% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 56% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment opportunities in this occupation will be driven by rising enrolment, government investments in new schools, and retirements. The K-12 student population in the province has been increasing in recent years due to strong population growth which has contributed to a growing demand for new teachers. The province’s 2025–26 capital budget earmarked funding for new schools, renovations and upgrades, reflecting record population growth and the need for expanded capacity. While federal immigration cuts may slow long-term growth, near-term demand remains favourable, particularly for teachers in French immersion, mathematics, and sciences. New graduates should expect to begin with substitute or term contracts, as many permanent roles are filled internally, but mobility to rural communities can improve prospects. Retirements will also open positions, and casual teaching opportunities remain favourable. Overall, this occupation offers stable employment with demand in key subject areas, though securing permanent roles may require flexibility and patience.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 200 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations

95% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 5% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 44% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 45% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation depends on government funding and high school enrollment.

According to the ministère de l’Éducation’s projections, the number of students is expected to increase in the medium term, which will be driven by the arrival of cohorts that are finishing elementary school and the impact of the recent rise in immigration. Even though lower immigration levels were announced, migration flows in recent years will continue to drive educational demand, particularly in major urban centres.

This dynamic should support needs at the secondary level and maintain the demand for welcoming classes for school-aged children, but to a lesser extent. There is still a high demand for francization classes for adults, but uncertainty surrounding program funding could limit the availability of those classes.

In addition, fewer students are dropping out of school. The decline in the number of vacancies and the recent rise in the youth unemployment rate could encourage young people to stay in or return to school.

However, despite targeted reinvestments and the removal of the hiring cap, school service centres must deal with a significant decrease in funding, while there are still high needs. In addition, the teacher shortage continues to be an issue in the school network.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Quebec:

Approximately 31,350 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 18% for all occupations

90% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 10% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 38% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 62% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 70% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Nearly all employed in secondary schools

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Demand strongly influenced by population size and student registration

Enrolment in secondary schools has been increasing

Generally, changes to annual funding amounts can affect employment prospects in school boards

Commitments to increase the number of French-language teachers should support employment for candidates with this specialization

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

In order to teach in a publicly funded school in Ontario, a teacher must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

In private schools, principals and teachers are not required to be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers; however, employers often prefer candidates who are certified.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Ontario:

Approximately 36,700 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations

92% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 8% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 40% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 60% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 57% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 36% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is influenced by population growth, student enrollment, and provincial government spending. There are shortages of teachers in the province’s rural areas and northern regions. A province-wide collective agreement in 2024 aimed to make teacher salaries competitive with other provinces and to close the gap between rural and urban school divisions. The standardized wage scale takes effect in the 2026-27 school year.

Key trends for this occupation include personalized learning using artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in lesson planning, data analytics to identify at-risk students, microlearning to enhance learning tention and engagement, and the integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programing into curriculum.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Manitoba:

Approximately 3,700 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations

90% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 10% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 48% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 52% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 63% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 31% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation is influenced by population growth, student enrollment, and provincial government spending.

Investment in new educational infrastructure including ongoing funding for 25 new or consolidated schools and 1 new replacement school should create new hiring opportunities and support employment growth in this occupation.

Recent federal government cuts and caps on immigration levels for the period 2025-2027 is slowing Saskatchewan’s international net migration-driven population growth and may soften the population-driven demand for services offered by this occupation.

Increased demand for staff and space may be greater in Regina and Saskatoon.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 3,250 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 19% for all occupations

90% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 10% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 45% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 55% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 74% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

In the 2024/25 school year, there were about 600,000 students enrolled in public schools around the province, a 3.7% increase from the previous year.

This was the highest enrollment figure since 1999.

Persistent demand for teaching occupations remains at all levels of education in British Columbia.

Some schools in the province have been experiencing a shortage of instructors.

Investments in public school services around the province will improve employment opportunities in the educational services sector.

In 2025, the Government of British Columbia opened new schools and announced school expansion projects in communities including the Cowichan Valley, Langford, Surrey, and Langley.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in British Columbia:

Approximately 11,750 people work in this occupation.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations

89% of secondary school teachers work all year, while 11% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 44% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 43% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 54% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Most employees within this occupation work at one of the Northwest Territories' 49 schools within its ten education bodies, including the Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest and Yellowknife Catholic Schools.

Schools and education authorities recruit and hire their own employees in Northwest Territories.

A housing shortage, particularly in rural communities, is affecting the territory’s ability to recruit and retain qualified teachers.

Here are some key facts about secondary school teachers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Secondary school teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Educational services (NAICS 61): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 50% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 50% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 56% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 9% for all occupations