Edmonton, as the largest Ukrainian urban community in Canada with a population of 144,620 people of Ukrainian descent (14.1% of the city's population), presents unique opportunities for Ukrainian language teachers. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the arrival of approximately 65,000 Ukrainian refugees in Alberta, the demand for Ukrainian-speaking teachers has increased significantly. For Ukrainian educators considering employment opportunities in Canada, understanding the structure of job openings, requirements, certification process, and financial prospects is critical to making an informed decision about migration and career.
Edmonton offers a variety of opportunities for Ukrainian language teachers, from formal positions in the public education system with competitive salaries and benefits to flexible opportunities for private tutoring and teaching in community organizations. Edmonton Catholic Schools' Ukrainian bilingual program, which has been in existence since 1974 and is the longest-running second language bilingual program in Alberta, creates a constant demand for qualified Ukrainian language teachers. The University of Alberta, with its Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) and Ukrainian Language Education Centre (ULEC), further supports Ukrainian language education through academic programs, research, and the development of teaching resources.
Formal positions in the public education system
The most structured and prestigious employment path for Ukrainian language teachers in Edmonton is the Edmonton Catholic Schools system, which actively recruits teachers for its Ukrainian bilingual program. As of November 2025, the school is accepting applications for Ukrainian bilingual teacher positions for the 2025/2026 school year. The program is offered in four locations, serving over 900 students from kindergarten to grade 12.
Program structure and locations
The Edmonton Catholic Schools Ukrainian bilingual program provides up to 50% of instruction in Ukrainian on a regular weekly schedule. The program is distributed across four schools: St. Martin Catholic Elementary School (grades K-6), St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School (grades K-6), St. Brendan Catholic Elementary/Junior High School (grades 7-9), and Austin O'Brien Catholic Senior High School (grades 10-12).
Each school offers not only Ukrainian language education, but also a full range of programs, including English instruction, a Catholic program, French as a second language (grades 4-12), and numerous academic, language, sports, and arts programs. St. Martin and St. Matthew also offer a Ukrainian Dance Academy and preschool programs in Ukrainian. St. Brendan offers a Spanish bilingual program and a Golf Academy, and Austin O'Brien has a wide range of advanced programs.
Candidate Requirements
Successful candidates must demonstrate fluency in Ukrainian based on four language domains: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. This is an absolute requirement, as teachers must provide instruction in Ukrainian at a high academic level that meets Alberta Education standards.
Candidates must have a Bachelor of Education Degree and a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate. They must be bilingual in both English and Ukrainian. It is important to note that, unlike most other teaching positions in the Catholic school system, language teachers (including Ukrainian, Cree, French, and Spanish) do not have to be Catholic. This significantly broadens the pool of potential candidates.
Required documents for application include: a cover letter and resume, two recent teaching evaluations (contract evaluations for experienced teachers, student teaching evaluations for new teachers), a completed Self-Declaration Form for Employment, two professional letters of recommendation (dated within the last two years), and, if applicable, a baptismal certificate.
Hiring Process and Employment Conditions
All successful candidates will be hired onto the Teacher Replacement Roster for the 2025/2026 school year. Once hired, candidates will have the opportunity to apply for internal contract opportunities or be placed directly into a contract position that matches their qualifications, based on division needs.
Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted for teaching positions throughout the calendar year, allowing flexibility for candidates who may apply at different times. Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace that welcomes and values candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Teacher Certification Requirements in Alberta
For Ukrainian educators who have come to Canada and wish to teach in the public education system, obtaining an Alberta Teaching Certificate is a mandatory requirement. Alberta Education is the only body that can assess qualifications for teaching credentials in Alberta.
General Requirements
All teachers in Alberta must have a minimum of 4 years of university education, including a recognized degree and pre-service teacher education program from an approved institution. Employment-based training programs are not recognized. The teacher education program must lead to teacher certification in the jurisdiction where the program was completed.
The program must include: 48 semester credit hours of coursework in professional teacher education courses in a structured teacher education program, and 10 weeks of supervised student teaching ( practicum) at the elementary or secondary level.
Process for internationally educated candidates
Ukrainian teachers who have been educated and taught in Ukraine fall under the category of “internationally educated candidates” and must complete several steps to obtain certification.
Step 1: Qualification review. Academic qualifications will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. If your program is not acceptable to the Minister of Education, you may need to take additional courses to qualify for Interim Professional Certification. All candidates must submit official transcripts directly from all post-secondary institutions.
Step 2: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). If you do not have a Canadian educational credential, you will need to obtain an ECA to show that it is equivalent to a completed Canadian post-secondary educational credential of at least one year in duration. World Education Services (WES) is the most common organization for assessing foreign credentials in Canada.
Step 3: Proof of language proficiency. The Regulation requires applicants to provide proof of language proficiency in at least one of Canada's two official languages, English or French. For Ukrainian teachers who want to teach Ukrainian, the basic requirement is proficiency in English at a level that allows for effective communication in all modes (speaking, reading, listening, and writing).
For Alberta teacher certification, the minimum IELTS Academic score is 7.0 with a minimum of 7 for Writing and Speaking, and 6.5 for Reading and Listening. This is a fairly high requirement, which may be challenging for some Ukrainian teachers.
Step 4: Statement of Professional Standing. You must submit a Statement of Professional Standing from the licensing authority or ministry of education where your teacher training program was completed, and from each jurisdiction where you have been certified as a teacher.
Step 5: Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check. All applicants must obtain a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check within the last 6 months. Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Canada may need to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Ukraine.
Special measures for Ukrainians under the CUAET program
For Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), there are certain simplifications to the process. They can obtain an open work permit that allows them to work in various fields while the certification process is underway. However, an Alberta Teaching Certificate is mandatory for teaching in the public education system.
The government has created specialized resources and guides for Ukrainian teachers who wish to become teachers in Canada. The Edmonton Newcomer Centre and other immigrant support organizations offer free employment and integration services, including assistance with navigating the certification process.
Salary and financial benefits
Salaries for Ukrainian language teachers in Edmonton's public education system are competitive and regulated by school division collective agreements.
Edmonton Catholic Schools
For teachers in Edmonton Catholic Schools, salaries range from $61,838 to $105,427 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. As of August 2024, the Edmonton Catholic salary grid shows the following ranges:
For teachers with four years of education (TQS 4): first year (Step 0) - $61,607, second year (Step 1) - $65,120, fifth year (Step 4) - $75,659, tenth year (Step 10) - $97,478.
For teachers with five years of education (TQS 5): initial year - $65,136, second year - $68,649, fifth year - $79,191, tenth year - $101,009.
For teachers with six years of education (TQS 6, including a master's degree): starting year - $69,126, second year - $72,639, fifth year - $83,177, tenth year - $104,997.
Edmonton Public Schools
For comparison, Edmonton Public Schools has a similar salary structure. As of August 2024, salaries range from $61,607 (first year, TQS 4) to $104,997 (tenth year, TQS 6).
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for a teacher in Edmonton is $28.61, which, at a full-time schedule (approximately 1,800 hours per year), amounts to approximately $51,500 in annual salary. However, this figure includes all teachers, including substitutes and part-time teachers. Teachers in contract positions typically earn significantly more.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a high school teacher in Edmonton is $70,022 in 2025. Entry-level teachers with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average of $51,415, while early-career teachers with 1-4 years of experience earn an average of $68,925. The highest pay can reach $101,000 per year.
According to Reddit, salaries at Edmonton Public Schools start at just over $61,000 with four years of education and can reach nearly $105,000 with ten years of experience and six years of education.
Additional benefits
In addition to their salary, teachers in the public education system receive a comprehensive benefits package, including: health insurance (dental, vision, prescription drugs), a pension plan (Teachers' Pension Plan), paid vacation (usually 2-3 weeks in the summer plus school holidays), professional development and training opportunities, and guaranteed employment with a contract.
Some private schools also offer competitive salaries. For example, the Islamic Academy of Alberta offers salaries ranging from $60,000 (first year with four years of education) to $105,229 (tenth year with six years of education).
University and research positions
For Ukrainian educators with higher academic qualifications, the University of Alberta offers opportunities at the highest level of teaching and research.
Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS)
CIUS at the University of Alberta supports Ukrainian studies through language teaching, research grants, scholarships, academic publications, and public programs. The institute offers both in-person and online opportunities for students and researchers.
In 2024, the University of Alberta announced the position of Kule Chair in Ukrainian Ethnography and Director of the Kule Folklore Centre, with tenure-track appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. This position includes annual research assistance funded by an endowment and requires a PhD (or equivalent) in folklore or a related discipline, familiarity with contemporary folklore theories and methods, research excellence, teaching experience, fluency in Ukrainian, and administrative and leadership skills.
Ukrainian Language Education Centre (ULEC)
ULEC develops, publishes, and distributes Ukrainian language resources in print and online formats that support teachers and provide effective, world-class language education to students, starting from preschool age. ULEC also advocates for quality Ukrainian-language education in the community and educational institutions.
The centre has developed numerous series of materials, including the Nova Program (for children learning Ukrainian as a second language), the Tut i Tam Series (for elementary school students with a certain level of proficiency), and the Budmo Series (free downloadable resources for teachers and students to develop Ukrainian language skills at the high school level).
Although ULEC may not have permanent teaching positions, it often engages consultants, course developers, and Ukrainian language experts to create and update teaching materials. For qualified Ukrainian educators, this may be an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ukrainian language education in Canada.
Teacher Training Programs
The University of Alberta offers a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major or minor in a second language - Ukrainian. This program prepares students to teach Ukrainian to students in grades 7-12. The program includes a five-week Introductory Professional Term (IPT) and a nine-week Advanced Professional Term (APT).
For Ukrainian teachers with teaching experience in Ukraine, this program can be a path to obtaining Canadian educational qualifications if their Ukrainian education is not recognized as equivalent.
Private tutoring and community classes
In addition to formal positions in the public education system, there is a significant market for private Ukrainian language tutoring and teaching in community organizations.
Private tutoring
Private Ukrainian tutors in Edmonton can earn between $8 and $50 for a 50-minute lesson, depending on their experience, qualifications, and specialization. According to AmazingTalker, most tutors set their rates in the range of $12 to $38 Canadian dollars per hour. Tutors set their own prices, and there is no upper limit on how much they can charge.
On Preply, one of the most popular platforms for finding language tutors, the cost of Ukrainian lessons for students in Edmonton ranges from $15 to $50 for a 50-minute lesson. Language academies and private tutors charge between $30 and $55 for an hour-long group lesson, with individual classes starting at $50 or more.
Language Trainers Canada offers in-person Ukrainian language courses in Edmonton starting at $29 per hour. These courses are conducted on an individual basis and can take place at home, in the office, at the trainer's office, or in a public place.
Experienced tutors with high qualifications and positive reviews can earn $40-50 per hour or even more. If a tutor works full-time (for example, 25-30 hours of teaching per week), this can amount to an annual income of $30,000 to $60,000, depending on rates and the number of students.
Community classes for adults
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Edmonton Branch and other Ukrainian organizations offer Ukrainian language classes for adults. These classes are usually held in the evening once or twice a week and cater to various levels, from beginner to advanced.
St. Andrew's Cultural Centre in Edmonton offers Ukrainian language classes for adults in the fall semester of 2025 (September 10 to December 17) on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration is mandatory, and admission without registration is not permitted.
The Ivan Franko Ukrainian Community Centre also offers Ukrainian language classes for adults at three levels: Beginners Level 1 (for students with no previous experience), Beginners Level 2 (for students with some experience), and Intermediate Level (for students who have been studying for 2-3 years). All classes are conducted via Zoom, allowing for flexibility for students. The instructor is Alla Dudka. [translate:Intermediate Level]] (for students who have been studying for 2-3 years). All classes are conducted via Zoom, allowing flexibility for students. The instructor is Alla Dudka, who has been offering classes for the past three years.
Teachers of community classes are usually compensated, which varies depending on the organization, the teacher's experience, and the length of the course. Although exact figures are not always published, you can expect $20 to $40 per hour for experienced instructors.
Saturday Schools and Children's Programs
[translate:Ridna Shkola (Ridna Shkola)]] - Ukrainian Heritage Language School in Edmonton offers Ukrainian language classes for children of various age groups. These programs are typically held on Saturdays and include not only language instruction but also cultural immersion through literature, history, art, and community events.
Teachers at Saturday schools may work on a volunteer basis or receive a small stipend. However, these positions are valuable for building teaching experience in a Canadian context, especially for new immigrants who aspire to eventually obtain positions in the public education system.
Volunteer and online opportunities
For Ukrainian teachers who have just arrived in Canada and have not yet obtained an Alberta Teaching Certificate, volunteer positions can be a valuable way to gain Canadian teaching experience and build a professional network.
Supporting Ukrainian Students Online
The Teaching English for Educational Equality Institute (TEEI), in partnership with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, is seeking passionate volunteer English teachers to provide virtual lessons to Ukrainian students. Although this program focuses on teaching English to Ukrainian students rather than Ukrainian to Canadian students, it demonstrates the opportunities that exist for online teaching.
Volunteer teachers are needed to provide virtual lessons to Ukrainian students who are unable to attend school due to danger or because their schools have been destroyed by war. The program is most in need of teachers of math, science, English, French, and physical education (all grade levels). Teachers can choose the subject(s) and grade level they teach, as well as how often or how long they wish to volunteer.
MacEwan University - Teaching English to Ukrainians
MacEwan University and the Edmonton Ukrainian community, including Melody Kostiuk, quickly volunteered their time to develop a curriculum and lesson plans for free English classes for Ukrainian newcomers. Over eight weeks, instructors worked with their teaching assistants, including MacEwan graduates and members of the Ukrainian Student Club, to create opportunities for Ukrainian newcomers to learn basic English language skills.
For Ukrainian educators who are fluent in English, teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to Ukrainian newcomers can be an alternative employment opportunity while they go through the certification process to teach in the public education system.
Opportunities and challenges
The employment prospects for Ukrainian language teachers in Edmonton are promising, but there are certain challenges that potential candidates should consider.
Positive factors
First, the Edmonton Catholic Schools Ukrainian bilingual program has been in existence since 1974 and is the longest-running second language bilingual program in Alberta. The program serves over 900 students and has stable demand. Students in the Ukrainian bilingual program consistently achieve the highest marks on graduation and provincial achievement tests.
Second, the arrival of 65,000 Ukrainian refugees in Alberta since 2022 has created a new wave of demand for Ukrainian language education. Many Ukrainian families want their children to continue learning Ukrainian and maintain their connection to their culture.
Third, Edmonton has the largest Ukrainian urban community in Canada, creating a strong foundation of support for Ukrainian programs. Infrastructure, including churches, cultural centers, schools, and community organizations, provides an ecosystem to support Ukrainian language instruction.
Fourth, salaries for teachers in the public education system are competitive, ranging from $61,000 to $105,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Teaching
The biggest challenge for Ukrainian educators is the certification process. Obtaining an Alberta Teaching Certificate can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the assessment of your qualifications. If your Ukrainian education is not recognized as equivalent to Canadian education, you may need to take additional courses.
The language requirement can also be a challenge. The minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (with a minimum of 7 for Writing and Speaking, and 6.5 for Reading and Listening) is quite a high requirement. Many Ukrainian teachers may need additional time to achieve this level of English proficiency.
The financial costs during the certification process can also be significant. The cost of ECA, language tests, criminal background checks, and possible additional courses can quickly add up. While the certification process is ongoing, teachers may not be able to work in the public education system and may need alternative sources of income.
Cultural adaptation to the Canadian education system can also be a challenge. Canadian approaches to teaching, classroom management, and assessment may differ from Ukrainian practices. Understanding Alberta Education curriculum frameworks, Teaching Quality Standards, and Professional Practice Standards takes time and effort.
Competition for positions may also be a factor. Although there is demand for Ukrainian language teachers, the number of vacancies is limited to four schools in Edmonton Catholic Schools. Candidates should be prepared for a competitive hiring process.
Recommendations for Ukrainian educators
For Ukrainian educators seeking to find work as Ukrainian language teachers in Edmonton, there are several strategic steps that can increase their chances of success.
First, begin the certification process as early as possible. Contact Alberta Education and understand the exact requirements for your situation. Order an ECA of your education through World Education Services or another recognized organization. Prepare for and take the IELTS test if your English needs improvement.
Second, build Canadian teaching experience while the certification process is underway. Consider volunteering at Saturday schools, Ukrainian community organizations, or programs that support Ukrainian newcomers. This experience will not only enhance your resume, but also help you understand the Canadian educational context.
Third, develop a private tutoring practice as a source of income and experience. Register on platforms such as Preply, AmazingTalker, Language Trainers, or Tutoroo. Start with lower rates to build your client base and reviews, then gradually increase your prices as you establish your reputation.
Fourth, network within Edmonton's Ukrainian community. Attend events hosted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Edmonton Branch, join Facebook groups for Ukrainians in Edmonton, and connect with teachers who are already working in the system. Many positions are filled through personal connections and referrals.
Fifth, prepare a professional teaching portfolio that showcases your teaching experience, educational philosophy, sample lesson plans, and student achievements. Obtain strong letters of recommendation from previous employers, colleagues, or professors.
Sixth, be flexible and open to different opportunities. Consider not only Ukrainian language teaching positions, but also other roles in education, such as ESL teacher, teaching assistant, or program coordinator. These positions can be stepping stones to your ultimate goal of teaching Ukrainian in the public education system.
Conclusion
Ukrainian language teaching positions in Edmonton exist and offer a variety of opportunities for qualified educators. Edmonton Catholic Schools is actively hiring teachers for its Ukrainian bilingual program, which serves over 900 students from kindergarten to grade 12, with competitive salaries ranging from $61,838 to $105,427 per year. The University of Alberta, through CIUS and ULEC, supports Ukrainian language education and research, creating additional opportunities for academically qualified professionals.
Private Ukrainian language tutoring is a flexible and potentially lucrative option, with rates ranging from $15 to $50 per lesson, depending on the teacher's experience and qualifications. Community organizations such as the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Community Centre offer classes for adults and children, creating additional employment opportunities.
However, to work in the public education system, Ukrainian teachers must obtain an Alberta Teaching Certificate, which requires recognition of their education, demonstration of a high level of English proficiency (IELTS 7.0), and criminal background checks. This process can take anywhere from several months to a year and requires financial investment and patience.
With the arrival of 65,000 Ukrainian refugees in Alberta since 2022 and the presence of the largest Ukrainian urban community in Canada, Edmonton continues to support the demand for Ukrainian language teachers in various formats. For Ukrainian educators who are willing to invest the time and effort to obtain Canadian certification and adapt to the Canadian educational context, teaching Ukrainian in Edmonton represents a real and promising career opportunity.