Belonging, Community, and Preparedness: Teacher Experiences of Working and Living in Northern Manitoba
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37119/ojs2026.v31i2.1003Abstract
Recruitment and retention of teachers remain persistent challenges for school divisions in northern Manitoba. This qualitative study examines the experiences of teachers new to working and living in northern Manitoba, with attention to recruitment, retention, preparedness, and sense of belonging. Findings highlight the central role of professional and social connections in shaping teachers’ early experiences and influencing decisions to remain in the region. The study also advances a conceptual understanding of what it means for teachers to ‘feel at home’ in their profession, demonstrating that this experience has multiple, interconnected personal and professional dimensions. Recognizing these varied needs has important implications for recruitment, preparation, and retention strategies in northern and remote contexts.
Keywords: sense of belonging, northern Manitoba, teacher preparedness, teacher recruitment, teacher retention
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalie Pegus
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