Innu Education Board steps up recruitment drive for teachers to come to Labrador

Withseveral job openings for teaching in Labrador, theInnu Education Boardis on a recruiting spree.

The board hopes the recruitmentdrive will fill some of those vacant jobs or at least draw curiosity from potential interested applicants because they'refinding it difficult to not only draw teachers to communities such as Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, but also keeping them there in the long-term.

Rena Penashue, the assistant director of human resources with the Innu Education Board, saidthe education board isunder the gun this year in staffing teachers in Natuashish specifically.

"Some people just aren't able to deal with remoteness, so isolation does play a factor in our Natuashish school," Penashuetold CBC Radio's On The Go.

"We want people that are enthusiastic, that love the outdoors, love children, love the North, love Labrador."

Interest is updespite vacancies, checkered past

Penashue, in St. John's recruiting at Memorial University,said her effortsaregoing well in terms of raising interest. Potential applicants have asked her questions about what Natuashish hasto offer, and what kind of benefits the education board hasto offer.

Successful applicants can expect a salary that follows theNewfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association, according to Penashue.

On top of that is a living allowance, travel allowance, fully furnished homecomplete with utilities,and a remote allowance for those inNatuashish.

"One of the challenges that we have is that people generally don't know where the location is they're going to in Labrador," she said.

"It's unique. You're really in touch with the environment. The Innuculture is vibrant, the language is vibrant."

However, Penashuesaid, she doesn't sugarcoat answers to any questions about a checkeredhistory of Netuashish,whichincludes violent crime, substance abuse and a high suicide rate.

"It's going to come up. we don't say it never happened. There's a lot of great, positive stories in both communities. We have positive role models," she said.

"Our focus is the studentand making them become successful in whatever career path they choose, and finish their education most importantly."

Graduation rates have increased over the last year or more, Penashue added.

Read morefrom CBC Newfoundland and Labrador