Number of unqualified Nunavut teachers nearly doubled in 5 years

01-Nov-2026

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Nunavut Education Minister David Akeeagok said he isn’t worried about the number of unqualified teachers in classrooms, even though it has almost doubled in five years. 

“We're not concerned,” he said. "There's over 800 [teachers], and 93 is a small number of the percentage, and it's reflective of the need for us to make sure the school operates." 

Those 93 teachers work under what are called "letters of authority." These are issued for one-year terms by the Department of Education when a position can't be filled by a qualified teacher with a bachelor's degree in education or equivalent. 

The number of teachers in Nunavut with letters of authority has steadily increased each year for the past five years, nearly doubling.

In 2021-22, there were more than 50 unqualified teachers. Now, that's up to 93 for 2025-2026.