Employment Opportunities
At HWDSB, every role contributes to student achievement, well-being, and a positive learning experience. Whether you work directly with students in classrooms, provide specialized support services, maintain safe and welcoming learning environments, or support school operations behind the scenes, your work helps make a meaningful difference every day.
We offer a wide range of career opportunities across our schools and administrative departments, with pathways for new graduates, experienced professionals, and individuals looking to grow their careers in public education.
Explore the opportunities below to learn more about the diverse roles available at HWDSB.
Elementary and Secondary Teacher
Elementary and Secondary Teaching Opportunities
Teachers play a vital role in helping students learn, grow, and reach their full potential. At HWDSB, our teachers create engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where every student experiences a sense of belonging and is empowered to build their own future.
HWDSB is continually seeking qualified educators for elementary and secondary occasional teacher rosters, with opportunities for long-term occasional assignments as they arise.
What You'll Do
- Plan and deliver engaging curriculum-based learning experiences
- Create inclusive classroom environments that support diverse learner needs
- Use a variety of instructional, assessment, and evaluation strategies
- Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Support students' academic, social, and emotional growth
- Participate in school improvement initiatives and professional learning
- Contribute to extracurricular activities and school life
What You'll Bring
Elementary Teaching Candidates
- Ontario College of Teachers certification in good standing
- Qualifications in at least two divisions
- Elementary occasional teachers are expected to work a minimum of:
- 10 days between September and January
- 20 days between February and the last instructional day of the school year
Secondary Teaching Candidates
- Ontario College of Teachers certification in good standing
- Qualifications in the Intermediate and Senior divisions
- At least two Intermediate and/or Senior teachable subjects
- Availability to work a minimum of 10 full days per school year as an occasional teacher
The following are considered assets:
- Additional Qualifications (AQs)
- Experience supporting students with special education needs
- Experience working with diverse communities
- Leadership experience
- Participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities
- Fluency in additional languages
Why Teach at HWDSB?
At HWDSB, we believe in investing in our educators. We are committed to supporting teachers at every stage of their career through professional learning, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities for growth.
Examples of supports available to educators include:
- Additional Qualification (AQ) courses offered by the Board
- Mentorship and professional learning opportunities
- New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP) supports for eligible teachers
- Leadership development opportunities for aspiring school and system leaders
- Collaborative professional learning communities
Whether you are a new educator or an experienced teacher, HWDSB offers opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
Internationally Educated Teachers
HWDSB welcomes applications from internationally educated teachers. We encourage candidates to explore resources available through the Ontario College of Teachers to support certification in Ontario.
French Teacher
French Teachers help students develop language skills, cultural awareness, and confidence as bilingual learners. At HWDSB, our French educators create engaging and inclusive learning environments where students thrive academically while developing a lifelong appreciation for the French language and Francophone cultures.
About French Programs at HWDSB
Core French
- Begins in Grade 4
- Approximately 40 minutes of French instruction per day
French Immersion
- Begins in Grade 1
- Continues into secondary school
- Offered in approximately 20 schools across the district
What You'll Do
- Deliver engaging French language instruction
- Support students in developing strong French communication skills
- Create inclusive learning environments
- Collaborate with colleagues, families, and school communities
- Participate in professional learning and experiential opportunities
What You'll Bring
- Ontario College of Teachers certification in good standing
- French as a Second Language Part 1 qualification or equivalent
- Strong French language proficiency and strong English communication skills
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success
Why Teach French at HWDSB?
At HWDSB, we are committed to supporting and growing French language education
We:
- Value and celebrate the acquisition of French language skills
- Support innovative instructional practices in French language learning
- Train French teachers in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
- Support the preparation and delivery of the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF)
- Promote experiential learning opportunities, including field trips and guest speakers
- Foster connections with Francophone communities and cultural organizations
- Support students in becoming confident bilingual learners prepared for future opportunities
English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor
ESL Instructors play an important role in supporting adult learners as they develop English language skills and work toward their educational, employment, and personal goals.
What You'll Do
- Deliver ESL and LINC programming
- Support adult learners from Literacy to CLB 8
- Incorporate technology and digital learning tools into instruction
- Assess learner progress and support language development
- Create inclusive learning environments that support diverse learners
What You'll Bring
- A current TESL Ontario Certificate (OCELT)
- Knowledge of the LINC Curriculum Guidelines and Canadian Language Benchmarks
- Experience with or knowledge of Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA)
- Understanding of adult learning principles and instructional practices
- Experience teaching in online or blended learning environments
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills
Additional Information
Assignments may be available during the day, evenings, and summer months.
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educators work in partnership with teachers to support children's learning, growth, and well-being through engaging, play-based learning experiences.
What You'll Do
- Collaborating with teachers to plan and implement the Kindergarten Program
- Observing, monitoring, and documenting children's learning and development
- Supporting children through inquiry, exploration, and play-based learning experiences
- Using a variety of instructional and assessment strategies to meet the needs of individual learners
- Creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments
- Encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- Supporting children's social, emotional, and physical well-being
- Building positive relationships with families and supporting family engagement in learning
- Assisting children with transitions to and from before and after-school programs
What You'll Bring
- Registration and good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE), or evidence that the registration process has been initiated
- Knowledge of child development and play-based learning practices
- Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
- A commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments
- The ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative educator team
- A passion for supporting children's learning, growth, and well-being
Additional Information
- Applicants must submit a one-page sample of pedagogical documentation based on the Kindergarten Program, Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT), or How Does Learning Happen?
- A satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check is required as a condition of employment.
- Candidates must successfully complete the Board's physical testing component. Additional information will be provided during the recruitment process.
- Availability and commitment to work a minimum of:
- 15 days between September and January
- 15 days between February and June
Educational Assistant
Educational Assistants play a vital role in supporting student success, well-being, and inclusion. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, Educational Assistants provide individualized support to students with a variety of learning, social, emotional, behavioural, physical, and medical needs.
What You'll Do
- Support students with academic, social, emotional, behavioural, physical, and medical needs
- Assist students in developing independence, self-regulation, and communication skills
- Support student learning and participation in classroom and school activities
- Implement student support plans and specialized interventions
- Provide personal care support when required
What You'll Bring
- A diploma in Educational Assistant, Child and Youth Worker, Developmental Services Worker, Social Service Worker, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience supporting individuals with diverse learning and support needs
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, accessibility, and student well-being
The following qualifications are considered assets:
- Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) training
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) training
- Assistive technology experience
- Sign language skills
- First Aid and CPR certification
New Hire Onboarding and Job Shadowing
New Educational Assistants are invited to participate in a paid onboarding program that includes:
- Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) training
- Essential skills training
- EasyConnect training
- Up to three paid in-person job shadowing days with experienced Educational Assistants
Additional Information
- A satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check is required as a condition of employment
- Opportunities may include short-term occasional and long-term assignments across the district
- New Educational Assistants are expected to work a minimum of 40 days between September and June to remain active in the casual employee pool.
Social Worker
Social Workers play a vital role in supporting student mental health, well-being, and success. Through assessment, consultation, intervention, and crisis support, Social Workers help create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
What You'll Do
- Providing consultation, assessment, and therapeutic support for students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or mental health concerns
- Supporting students experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, school avoidance, peer relationship difficulties, substance use, and family stressors
- Providing individual, group, and family-focused interventions using evidence-informed practices
- Supporting students and families who may be impacted by systemic barriers, discrimination, racism, poverty, colonialism, or other forms of oppression
- Responding to urgent mental health and safety concerns and assisting with crisis intervention and planning
- Collaborating with school staff, families, and community partners to support student well-being and success
- Facilitating referrals to appropriate community services and resources
- Contributing to system-wide initiatives that promote mental health, well-being, inclusion, and equitable outcomes for students
What You'll Bring
- A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree
- Eligibility for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- A strong commitment to social work values, anti-oppressive practice, anti-racism, and culturally responsive service delivery
- Knowledge of child and adolescent development, family systems, and factors that impact student learning and well-being
- Experience providing evidence-informed therapeutic interventions to children, youth, and families
- Knowledge of mental health, behavioural, and social-emotional concerns affecting children and youth
- Experience working collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams
- Strong communication, documentation, organizational, and case management skills
- Experience working with community agencies and service providers to support coordinated care
- The ability to work independently and effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
Additional Information
- A satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check is required as a condition of employment.
- Strong documentation and record-keeping practices are required in accordance with OCSWSSW professional standards.
- Experience delivering individual, group, and family interventions within educational or community settings is considered an asset.
Caretaker
Caretakers play an essential role in creating safe, clean, and welcoming learning environments for students and staff.
What You'll Do
- Clean and maintain classrooms, offices, hallways, and common areas
- Support waste management and recycling programs
- Perform seasonal outdoor maintenance, including snow removal
- Operate custodial and maintenance equipment
- Support school events and community rentals
What You'll Bring
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Commitment to safety and customer service
- Previous commercial or industrial cleaning experience is considered an asset
Additional Information
- A satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check is required as a condition of employment
- Candidates must successfully complete the Board's physical testing component
- New hires receive four days of paid orientation training
Office, Clerical and Technical (OCTU)
Office, Clerical and Technical employees support the day-to-day operations of schools and departments across HWDSB. Working in school offices and administrative settings, these roles help ensure students, families, and staff receive the services and support they need to succeed.
What You'll Do
Responsibilities vary depending on the position and work location and may include:
- Providing administrative and clerical support to schools and departments
- Assisting students, families, staff, and community members
- Managing records, data entry, correspondence, and scheduling
- Supporting payroll, human resources, finance, transportation, facilities, and other departments
- Preparing reports, documents, and communications
- Performing a variety of customer service and office administration functions
What You'll Bring
- Post-secondary education in a related field or equivalent relevant work experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Proficiency with computer applications and technology
- Reliable transportation to travel to various work locations when required
Additional Information
- Candidates may be required to complete a computer skills assessment
- New hires receive 1.5 days of paid onboarding training
Professional and Administrative Support
Professional and administrative staff provide specialized expertise and operational support that helps advance student achievement and the effective delivery of services across HWDSB. Working in schools and administrative departments, these roles contribute to the success of students, staff, and families every day.
What You'll Do
- Providing administrative, operational, and project support
- Supporting students, families, employees, and community members
- Delivering specialized professional services and expertise
- Coordinating programs, initiatives, and system-wide projects
- Managing information, records, financial processes, and reporting
- Supporting strategic priorities through collaboration, innovation, and service excellence
- Contributing to safe, inclusive, and responsive learning and working environments
What You'll Bring
- Education, training, or certification relevant to the position
- Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Proficiency with technology and digital tools relevant to the role
- A commitment to collaboration, equity, inclusion, and continuous learning
Career Areas May Include
- Business Services
- Communications
- Human Resource Services
- Information and Instructional Technology
- Research and Analytics
- Human Rights Office
- Facilities Operations
- Indigenous Education
- Specialized Services
Principal/Vice Principal
Principals and Vice-Principals play a critical role in advancing student achievement, well-being, equity, and belonging across HWDSB. As instructional leaders, they help create inclusive school cultures, support staff development, build strong relationships with students and families, and foster learning environments where every student can thrive.
What You'll Do
- Provide instructional leadership that supports student achievement and well-being
- Create inclusive, equitable, and welcoming school communities
- Support and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional learning
- Build meaningful relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners
- Lead school improvement planning and system initiatives
- Promote human rights, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and inclusive practices
- Support safe, positive, and caring school environments
Leadership Competencies
HWDSB leaders support our mission and strategic priorities by demonstrating competencies in:
- Upholding Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being
- Providing Equitable, High-Quality Education
- Collaborating with Students, Families, and Communities
- Building a Sustainable Education System
- Advancing Indigenous Education, Well-Being, and Reconciliation
What You'll Bring
Successful candidates will typically demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to student achievement, well-being, and equity
- Leadership experience within educational settings
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
- Experience leading change and supporting school improvement initiatives
- A demonstrated commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and human rights-based approaches to leadership
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Qualifications
Vice-Principal Candidates
- Good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
- Enrollment in or completion of the Principal's Qualification Program (PQP) Part 1
- Enrollment in or completion of Special Education Part 1 Additional Qualification, or equivalent experience
Principal Candidates
- Good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
- Current experience as a Vice-Principal or Principal
- Enrollment in or completion of the Principal's Qualification Program (PQP) Part 2
- Enrollment in or completion of Special Education Part 1 Additional Qualification, or equivalent experience
Leadership Development
HWDSB is committed to developing future leaders through mentorship, networking, leadership learning opportunities, and leadership preparation sessions that support understanding of:
- HWDSB's Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- Equity and Human Rights priorities
- Indigenous Education priorities
- School leadership practices and competencies
- The promotion process
Why Lead at HWDSB?
At HWDSB, leadership is about creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive.
Our leaders have the opportunity to:
- Advance student achievement and well-being
- Champion equity, inclusion, and human rights
- Support and mentor future leaders
- Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and communities
- Influence system-wide initiatives and strategic priorities
- Contribute to meaningful and lasting change in public education
We are committed to supporting school leaders through ongoing professional learning, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.