NOC 41221: Elementary school and kindergarten teachers

The employment outlook will be Very good for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 3,550 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 16% for all occupations

91% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 9% 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 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 15% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 85% 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: less than 5% compared to 30% 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 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 65% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 32% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Very good for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Alberta:

Approximately 19,300 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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: 84% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 16% compared to 20% for all occupations

88% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 12% 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 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 16% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 84% 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: 79% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Very good for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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.

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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Nunavut:

Approximately 450 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Elementary school and kindergarten teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Educational services (NAICS 61): 95%

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

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 87% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 13% for all occupations

93% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 7% 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 50 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 18% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 82% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 49% compared to 10% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 13% compared to 6% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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. 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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 3,900 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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 elementary school and kindergarten 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 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 16% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 84% 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: 48% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 47% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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 as the student-to-teacher ratio grows. However, it can still be challenging for many new teachers to secure a permanent position.

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

Approximately 2,400 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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: 84% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations

86% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 14% 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 48 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 14% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 86% 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: 47% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 50% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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 depend on enrollment at the secondary level and on government funding. 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 has earmarked considerable investment over the next five-years towards the construction of new schools, renovations and upgrades. However, the announcement by the federal government to reduce immigration targets will mean a slowdown in population growth and although the impact of this policy is uncertain at this time, it could have some affect on employment prospects over the medium term.

Labour needs will stem from both employment growth and jobs vacated by teachers who will be retiring. Some positions may become available as teachers leave their jobs to accept promotions to education consulting roles and management positions in the elementary education sector. Teachers with three or more years of experience and additional education may advance to administrative positions such as department heads, education consultants, vice-principals, or principals. However, turnover is relatively low in comparison to the average turnover rate in all occupations combined.

Employment prospects are better for those who have a bachelor's degree in pre-school and primary education, in remedial education and in specialized primary and secondary education. Employment growth in this occupation depends on the increase in the number of kindergarten and elementary school age children, and on government funding.

Here are some key facts about elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 600 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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: 84% compared to 84% for all occupations

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

85% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 15% 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 47 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 17% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 83% 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 28% 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 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 41% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) in Quebec 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 in this occupation varies according to government funding and changes in the number of students who are attending preschool and elementary school.

The ministère de l’Éducation anticipated that school enrolment would drop in the medium term. However, new kindergarten classes for four-year-olds, which were not included in the projections, could mitigate the decrease at the preschool level, despite a significantly slower roll out. In addition, the impact of recent migration flows, which were also missing from the projections, could curb the decline or even reverse the trend, especially at the elementary level and even more so in major urban centres.

Despite targeted reinvestments and the removal of hiring caps, school service centres must deal with significant funding reductions, which results in various cuts depending on the region, while there are still high needs.

In addition, the teacher shortage remains a major concern in the school network. Despite salary adjustments and announced measures to recognize prior learning, support recruitment, retention and the return of retirees, these efforts are still insufficient to meet all needs.

Here are some key facts about elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Quebec:

Approximately 46,400 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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: 84% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 16% compared to 18% for all occupations

87% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 13% 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 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 14% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 86% 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: 76% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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 elementary schools

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Demand strongly influenced by population size and student registration

Enrolment in elementary schools is expected to increase

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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Ontario:

Approximately 69,550 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 10% 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 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 17% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 83% 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: 63% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 30% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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.

Here are some key facts about elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Manitoba:

Approximately 8,000 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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: 86% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations

89% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 11% 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: 20% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 80% 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: 70% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 25% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

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.

Government investment of $130 million to fund a new teacher agreement and address pressures of growing student enrolment will secure and enhance employment opportunities for this occupation.

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

Here are some key facts about elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 7,050 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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: 83% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 17% compared to 19% for all occupations

85% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 15% 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 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 16% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 84% 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: 78% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers in British Columbia:

Approximately 24,350 people work in this occupation.

Elementary school and kindergarten 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: 81% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 19% compared to 22% for all occupations

84% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 16% 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 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 17% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 83% 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: 52% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 43% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) 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.

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.

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 elementary school and kindergarten teachers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 500 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Elementary school and kindergarten teachers mainly work in the following sectors:

Educational services (NAICS 61): 95%

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

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations

94% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers work all year, while 6% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 15% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 85% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 26% 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: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 63% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 9% for all occupations