About the Job

NOC: 4141,4142,4143
Occupation: School Teachers, School Counsellors, and School Librarians
Category: Occupations in Social Science, Education, Government Service, and Religion

Nature Of Work:

This group includes teachers and counsellors in elementary and secondary schools.

Teachers prepare material in a particular subject area, which they teach according to an approved curriculum.  They assign and correct homework; evaluate progress of students; consult with their fellow teachers, and upgrade their skills and knowledge on a regular basis.  

School counsellors provide a wide range of counselling services for individuals and groups to support students’ well-being and academic success.  They are specialized in dealing with students’ emotional and behavioural needs. Nova Scotia school counsellors use a Comprehensive Guidance and Counselling program to address educational, career, personal, and social issues.  They work with parents, school staffs, community agencies and organizations to provide programming that meets the needs of students and school communities.

Skills:

To work in this field, you should be patient, imaginative, objective, and resourceful. Leadership skills and the ability to motivate students are important. You must be able to communicate ideas in a clear, concise, and interesting way. Planning and organizational skills are also necessary. Energy and stamina are often needed, as a teacher's or school counsellor's workday involves more than just school hours. Teachers must be knowledgeable about their subjects and keep informed of new material and methods of teaching.

Other Considerations: