Build From Within - Ozhitoon Onji Peenjiiee

The Build From Within teacher development program brings together Winnipeg School Division, the Faculty of Education at University of Winnipeg, and Indspire Canada and other service providers to develop a path for Indigenous High School Students to become teachers.

The primary goal of Build From Within is to recognize and build on Indigenous students’ unique strengths and experiences to create competent and motivated teachers who are passionate about their work and want to contribute back as teachers. 

We are currently recruiting Cohort 4 - Spring 2024

The first step to a career in education

Starting in Grade 12, Indigenous students spend six years on a journey to become a teacher with Winnipeg School Division. A total of 30 students will participate in Cohort 4. Each cohort of 30 students engages in an academically rigorous program featuring classroom internships, as well as cultural, familial, mentorship, employment and financial supports.

The program bridges students from high school through to becoming an educator.

The first step is graduation from high school and completion of a 300-hour Education Assistant Diploma Program. In addition, students are required to take a minimum of 48 hours of workshops (delivered by WSD staff) and participate in a practicum placement within the school division. Students will continue as Student Teacher Interns while completing their Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Degrees at University of Winnipeg.

Program focus

Year 1, Grade 12 

Students take high school classes at Argyle Alternative High School and begin the Education Assistant Diploma Program (EADP) delivered by University of Winnipeg. In the mornings they are in the EADP program. In the afternoons they are taking high school classes.

Year 2 to 6

University of Winnipeg and Winnipeg School Division

Students are placed in WSD classrooms as Student Teacher Interns.

The students will attend U of W completing their Integrated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees.

What’s provided:

• Tuition to U of W
• Monthly Bus Pass
• Language Cultural Activities
• Mentors
• Summer Job Opportunities

Student Responsibilities

• Commit to Build From Within programming that promotes academic success and professional development
• Desire to become a teacher 
• Have completed 22 high school credits by June 2024 
• Proof of Indigenous ancestry (needed for funding purposes) 
• Demonstrates good citizenship in school and community 
• Strong accountability and communication with BFW staff, University Instructors and Support Team 
• Commitment to completing homework 
• Excellent attendance 
• Desire to contribute to Indigenous Education and participate in cultural learning opportunities 
• Able to meet university acceptance requirements (which includes Applied or Pre-Cal Math)

How to apply:

Contact your Principal, Teacher, Indigenous Graduation Support Teacher or Guidance Counsellor for more information.

Desi-Rae Anderson
Program Coordinator
danderson@wsd1.org
204-788-0203
Prince Charles Education Resource Centre

Tanis Kobewka
Guidance Counsellor
tkobewka@wsd1.org

Courtney Berthelette
Academic Support Teacher
coberthelette@wsd1.org

Rob Riel
Assistant Superintendent
Indigenous Education
rriel@wsd1.org
204-775-0231