Finding Purpose Teaching in the North
When Amabel Pedrina first moved to Manitoba, she was not sure if she would ever return to the classroom.
After teaching for nearly two decades in the Philippines, the internationally trained teacher was wondering if it might be time to try something new. But stepping back into a Manitoba classroom as a substitute teacher reminded her why she chose the profession in the first place.
“Life has a way of guiding me back to the classroom where I truly belong,” Pedrina said. “Every classroom felt like a new opportunity, and each student reminded me why I never gave up.”
Today, she works as a literacy support teacher at God’s Lake Narrows First Nation School (Mantou Sakahigan Kiskinamkewikamik) in God’s Lake Narrows First Nation, a remote fly-in community in northern Manitoba.
Her role focuses on helping students who struggle with reading, often through one-on-one support, allowing her to see their progress up close.
“It’s very rewarding to watch their reading skills grow over time,” she said. “Seeing my students gain confidence reminds me why I’m there.”
A Lifelong Passion for Education
Pedrina’s teaching journey began in the Philippines, where she completed a Bachelor of Education and later a master’s in educational management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Over the course of more than 20 years, she taught primarily Grade 2 and eventually opened her own elementary school.
After moving to Manitoba with her husband and son in 2015, she continued her studies through a short online course at Athabasca University and an early childhood education program at RRC Polytech.
In 2016, she began the process of obtaining her Manitoba teaching certificate.
The transition to a new country and education system was a learning experience. She spent several years working as a substitute teacher in the Winnipeg School Division and Seven Oaks School Division, gaining experience in many different classrooms.
Those years helped her build familiarity with Manitoba’s school system and reconnect with the work she’s always loved.
“My inspiration for becoming a teacher started at home. My father was a high school teacher and growing up I saw the dedication and care he gave to his students,” she said. “My father taught me the true value of being an educator. Through his example, I learned that teaching is not just about lessons and books, it is about guiding young minds, shaping character and helping children believe in themselves.”
A New Chapter in Northern Manitoba
Now in her third-year teaching in the community, she says the experience has been transformative.
“Teaching in northern Manitoba has been a very life-changing experience for me as an educator,” she said. “It gives me a true sense of purpose, knowing the community relies on teachers to guide and support their children.”
The school serves approximately 500 students from nursery to Grade 12 and has a diverse staff that includes educators from many backgrounds, including 13 Filipino teachers and seven support staff members.
“One of my favourite outdoor activities here is fishing. I had the change to go winter fishing and I caught a pike on the lake. These activities are all about sustainability and respect for the land.”
She currently lives in teaching housing within walking distance from the school while working in the community, returning to Winnipeg periodically to spend time with her family.
Seeking Support Along the Way
As an internationally trained teacher building her career in Manitoba, Pedrina has also found supports and resources through The Society.
While working as a substitute teacher, she attended collective bargaining seminars that helped her better understand teachers’ rights, responsibilities and working conditions.
“Knowing there is an organization like MTS supporting teachers gave me a real sense of security,” she said. “It helped many substitute teachers like myself feel valued and respected as part of the education community.”
Building Relationships and Community
For teachers considering a move north, she says being open to learning about new cultures and building new relationships are essential.
“You have to be flexible and ready to adapt,” she added. “You need to build relationships with students, their families and the community.”
Once connections are built, the warmth of the community really shines through.
“I have always felt very welcomed in this community,” she said. “They are willing to share their culture and even their food with you.”
Pedrina has also warmly embraced the community’s culture. She started an after-school music group for students in Grades 2 and 4 who were eager to learn how to sing in their language. With help from one of the school’s Cree language teacher advisors, they spent four months translating and practicing the Canadian national anthem before finally recording it. That Cree version of the national anthem now plays every morning over the school’s intercom.
“The children are all so very proud of that recording,” she said. “And I am just honoured to have been a part of it.”
This is just one example of how teaching in northern Manitoba offers a range of experiences you may not find elsewhere, from learning about the local culture to spending time close to nature.
“It’s a wonderful place to teach and grow.”
A Rewarding Journey
Looking back, Pedrina says choosing to teach in northern Manitoba has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling.
For educators who may be considering a similar path, she offers up some simple advice: keep an open mind.
“Don’t be afraid to learn alongside you students,” she said. “The experience will transform you.”
And despite the distance from home, she says the connection she feels to the community, her colleagues and her students make it all worthwhile.
“It’s more than a job,” she added. “When you see the eagerness of the students to learn, it makes every day worthwhile.”