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Nova Scotia’s Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) are committed to an inclusive education system that supports the well-being and achievement of every student and is high-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive.

The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) is actively working to hire individuals from under-represented groups, particularly people of African Nova Scotian, African Canadian and African ancestry and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous ancestry, to work toward equitable representation within all employee groups. Equitable hiring strengthens the knowledge and expertise in our schools, and supports our public education system in establishing schools as safe, caring, and accessible learning spaces that support all students. This will provide opportunities for students to see themselves reflected throughout their schools, learning resources, and within their learning experiences.

With 137 schools across our region, HRCE offers excellent career opportunities and potential for professional growth and development.

All positions with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education are posted on our website through Careers at HRCE, our online resume and job application system.

Careers at HRCE is accessed through myHRCE. If this is your first time using Careers at HRCE you will need to register for an account. An email address is required to register for a myHRCE account.

HRCE has a Recruitment, Selection and Hiring of Staff Policy and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly people of African Nova Scotian, African Canadian and African ancestry and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous ancestry, in compliance with the applicable collective agreements or terms and conditions of employment. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Diversity Management section under the Questionnaire heading in the online resume.

Our employees are the backbone of HRCE. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to employing people who represent the diverse communities we serve. HRCE serves more than 58,000 students in 137 schools across our region. We offer excellent career opportunities with competitive wages, comprehensive health and dental benefits, defined benefit pension plans and potential for professional growth and development.

From teachers to administrative assistants and registered tradespeople to finance professionals - and everything in between! - we invite you to explore our current job opportunities in both our school locations and central office. We update our job postings every Wednesday at noon.

HRCE employs more than 11,000 full-time, part-time and casual employees within four union groups (NSTU, CUPE, NSGEU, NSUPE) and a non-union group, PEG (Professional Employees Group). To access the collective agreements for any of the unions representing our employees, click here.

HRCE maintains casual pools (substitute lists) for our custodian, educational program assistant, library support specialist, lunch monitor, school secretary and teacher positions to provide short-term coverage to schools when permanent staff are away. Substitutes fill in for day-to-day assignments on an as needed basis. 

In accordance with Nova Scotia's Provincial Student Protection Policy, all new employees are required to provide the following documents before commencing employment with HRCE.

NOTE: Teachers are also required to have a Nova Scotia Teacher's Certificate to teach in Nova Scotia. To learn more about Teacher Certification click here.

HRCE maintains substitute lists for the following non-teaching positions to provide short-term coverage to schools when permanent staff are away. Substitutes are placed in day-to-day assignments on an as needed basis.

Non-teaching substitutes work on call to provide short term coverage to schools when permanent staff is away.

Application Process

When there is a shortage in any of the above positions, the Halifax Regional Centre for Education will advertise a job posting on Careers at HRCE. If you are interested in becoming an employee with us, we encourage you to sign into your Careers at HRCE account and apply to the appropriate job posting using your online resume. 

All applications for the Non-Teaching Substitute lists must be completed in full, including the questionnaire section of the online resume.

Interview Process

Upon review of applications and operational requirements, qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. This may take 4-8 weeks. In preparation for the interview you should bring a copy of your resume, ensuring that it is up-to-date along with a list of professional references with their current contact information.

Final Steps

Following the completion of a successful interview and offer of employment, all new employees are required to provide the following documents before commencing employment:

  • Current Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Search available from your local Police or RCMP detachment or online at www.mybackcheck.com (please share your results with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education). Must be issued within the past three months.
  • You must log on to the on-line New Employee Orientation to obtain access to the additional forms required. Log into myHRCE and choose the "New Employee Orientation" link in the drop down menu to the right of the page, then click on the "First things First" link. In addition to several required information/tax forms to fill out, you will be asked to complete a Child Abuse Registry - Request for Search Form (a copy of your Driver's License or Health Card must accompany this form).

Returning Substitutes & Term Employees wishing to substitute

Returning substitute and non-teaching term employees who worked with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education in the previous school year must confirm their intent to return to active substituting by completing the online Substitute Confirmation Form accessible via myHRCE. After completion of the Confirmation Form you will be able to log in within 5 business days. During peak periods (i.e. August - October) the turn around time may be longer.

Once you have been activated we will email your AESOP login information including your ID and PIN number. You will then be able to personalize your AESOP account by selecting your preferred schools and managing your call times and availability.

Please ensure your online resume is kept up-to-date at all times.

Break in Employment

Any break in employment of three months or more requires the completion of a new Criminal Records Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check. These documents must be submitted before activation.

HRCE has many substitute assignments daily in our schools. Choose where you work and how often you work. 

The turnaround time from application to beginning work is very quick. Once you submit your new hire documents you can typically be working within a week.

Applicants with a Bachelor of Education and a NS Teachers Certificate must follow the steps below to be considered for substitute teaching:

1. Apply online to the competition number noted on the Substitute Teacher job posting. You are required to create and submit an online resume to apply. Please ensure the information on your resume is accurate and up to date as your qualifications will be reviewed.

2. Provide the following documentation to Human Resource Services, 33 Spectacle Lake Drive, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X7 (partial submissions will not be accepted). Currently, documents may alternatively be emailed to careers@hrce.ca 

  • Two written references from individuals who have observed the quality of your teaching (i.e. cooperation teacher, principal or university supervisor/advisor)
  • Six-digit professional number issued by NS Teacher Certification or copy of NS Teacher’s Certificate
  • An original or copy of original course transcripts from your University or College in support of your teaching license and BEd 
  • Void Cheque or Direct Deposit Form from your Banking Institution
  • Satisfactory Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check obtained from your local Police/RCMP Department or at backcheck.net/halifax . Must be issued within the past six months.
  • Child Abuse Registry Search Results available online through the Department of Community Services here. You will be mailed your CAR results to provide to HRCE as part of your new hire package. Must be issued within the past six months.
  • You must log onto the online New Employee Orientation to obtain access to the additional forms required. Log into your myHRCE account and choose the "New Employee Orientation" link in the dropdown menu to the right of the page, then click on the "First Things First" link

When all documentation has been collected and verified, we begin the process to activate you to Aesop, an automated substitute placement service provided by Frontline Placement Technologies which uses integrated internet and telephone technologies to assist School Administrators in the process of securing Substitute Teachers.

Once you have been activated, we will email your login information including your Aesop ID and PIN number. You will then be able to personalize your Aesop account by selecting your preferred schools and managing your call times and availability.

NOTE: Candidates wishing to teach French must also complete a successful interview with the HRCE French Program Consultants who will assess the candidate's competency in French (oral and written). This is coordinated through the French Department. Book an appointment by completing the following form .

Positions are posted according to job category and are accompanied by a job description. To apply, you must register for a myHRCE account and create a resume.

Click here to access the Applicant Guide for Careers at HRCE.

Applicants must apply online using the resume(s) you have created within Careers at HRCE. Paper or faxed applications will not be accepted. Please review your education, training, experience, skills, abilities and knowledge before you apply to ensure that you meet the qualifications advertised for the position.

The screening process is directly linked to the information provided in your application.

All competitions close on the date indicated in the postings and submissions must be made prior to the deadline.

Applications from all qualified candidates are welcomed and encouraged. In accordance with collective agreements, some job competitions are restricted to current bargaining unit employees. Check the individual job competition information for restrictions. For some bargaining unit job competitions, external applicants will be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit applicants.

Important note regarding employee IDs:

If you have worked or currently work for HRCE it is imperative that you enter your employee ID (400#) correctly. Your ID matches your files in our system in terms of which union you belong to, your seniority and contract status (i.e., term or permanent). If you enter your employee ID incorrectly your seniority and contract status will not show correctly when applications are reviewed and you may display as an external candidate or you may not be able to apply to permanent positions.

The following outlines how teaching positions become available in HRCE:

  • Substitute positions occur when a teacher is engaged on a day-to-day basis to take the place of a regular teacher employed by HRCE (i.e., paid sick leave, pregnancy leave). Substitute assignments can range from day to day or span a longer period to cover extended sick and pregnancy leaves. 
  • Term positions have a specific start and end date and typically occur when the regular classroom teacher is not in receipt of pay from HRCE (i.e., unpaid sick leave, deferred leave, parental leave in excess of 40 days).
  • Permanent teaching positions occur as a result of attrition - resignation, retirement, death, a newly created position or permanent assignment to another school. Teachers must hold a permanent or probationary contract with HRCE in order to apply for permanent positions.

Application Process

All of our positions are posted on our website and can be viewed by clicking here.

Teaching positions are typically posted every Wednesday at 12pm (noon)  and then close the following Monday at 12pm (noon). Positions are posted according to job category and are accompanied by a job description. To apply, you must have an online resume on our Careers at HRCE system.

Teachers are required to have a Nova Scotia Teacher's Certificate to teach in Nova Scotia. To learn more about Teacher Certification click here.

Note: Candidates who are looking to teach French must also complete a successful interview with the HRCE French Program Consultants who will assess the candidate's competency in French (oral and written).

Teaching Staffing Timelines

April 15-June 15
Permanent positions are posted on the HRCE website for application by permanent and probationary contract teachers by way of minimum two rounds of postings.

June
Remaining permanent positions not filled and term positions are posted at our annual internal Teacher Placement Process, typically held in June. Teachers eligible to attend the Teacher Placement Process must have a particular status such as surplus permanent and probationary. Further information on the Teacher Placement Process will be posted on myHRCE approximately mid-May.

June-July
All remaining vacancies that occur after our internal Teacher Placement Process are posted for application by all teachers except those who hold a Probationary or Permanent contract with us.

Mid-August onward
Positions that remain unfilled or newly created positions that occur following the last posting round in June are generally posted starting mid-August and then weekly thereafter every Wednesday at 12pm (noon) and then close on the following Monday at 12pm (noon).

Until October 15
Term Recall is in effect. This means that teachers who received a Term Contract in the preceding school year and received a positive recommendation are given first priority when principals are filling positions until October 15.

Salary

The salary grid is determined by collective bargaining between the Minister of Education of the Province of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and can be found in Schedule D of the Teacher's Provincial Agreement, accessible on the Labour Relations section of our website.

Q: Can I substitute even though I'm not on AESOP if I am called?
A: No, you cannot substitute unless you have completed all of the steps required and are an active substitute on AESOP.

Q: I have retired. Am I able to substitute?
A: Yes, all retired employees are able to substitute. If you are a retired substitute teacher, you are able to work 69.5 days. However, all substitutes must complete the Substitute Confirmation Form online under either Substitute Teacher Information or Non-Teaching Substitute Confirmation Form in order to be placed on the list. Check with Human Resources to make sure your paperwork is up-to-date.

Q: I did not substitute last year, can I this year?
A: You must complete the online Substitute Confirmation form accessible via myHRCE in order to substitute for the upcoming school year (on the myHRCEdropdown menu, select Document Depot, Human Resources. You will then find Substitute teaching forms and/or Non-Teaching Substitute Confirmation). After completion of the confirmation form, you will receive an email from AESOP advising you to provide the Regional Centre for Education with a new Criminal Records Check (local Police Detachment) and Child Abuse Registry Form (HRCE office). Once this information is received, your AESOP and Payroll accounts will be re-activated. You will receive an email from AESOP with your login information. 

Q: What do I do if there are days missing on my pay cheque?
A: If you discover a day(s) missing, please contact payroll at 902-464-2000 to be transferred to the appropriate Payroll Administrator. Be prepared to provide the dates and the names of the schools in which you substituted. Once the payroll clerk verifies the missing day(s), you will be required to contact the school to request an amended timesheet and the day(s) will be added to your next cheque.

Q: Will I have to reapply to substitute for the next school year?
A: Yes. Please see the information above for returning substitutes and retirees.

Q: What happens if I didn't receive a reminder email about confirming?
A: A reminder email outlining the instructions for confirming your intent to return to subbing was sent to your HRCE email address. The only email address the Regional Centre for Education will correspond with is your HRCE email address. Please contact our IT Department at sthd@hrce.ca and they will assist you with this.

Q: I need a substitute number. Where can I get one?
A: This number was sent in your welcome email from AESOP along with your login ID and Pin number.

Q: In the middle of an ASEOP call it tells me the assignment is no longer available. What happened?
A: Even though AESOP is calling you, the job is still posted on the website and someone else may have accepted the assignment before you were able to push 1 to accept.

Q: What do I do if AESOP does not recognize my PIN?
A: All AESOP accounts are inactivated effective July 2nd. AESOP is closed during July and August for yearly maintenance and will remain inactive until you have confirmed your intent to return to subbing by completing the Substitute Confirmation Form found on myHRCE - Document Depot - Human Resources - Substitute Teaching Forms or Non-Teaching Confirmation forms.

Q: I am new to AESOP and do not know my PIN. Can you help?
A: Your login ID and pin number were forwarded to you in the welcome email from AESOP. Open a new web browser and enter the address www.aesopcanada.com Click on the red login icon in the upper right hand corner and enter your login ID and pin number in the red label. Do not use spaces or dashes in your ID or pin numbers. Do not “Google” AESOP as it will give you the American website (aesoponline) and your login ID and pin numbers will not work. If you have changed your phone number in AESOP, the new number becomes your login ID. If you are still having difficulties, please call 902-464-2000 ext. 2186 and your call will be directed appropriately.

Q: How do I cancel an assignment?
A: Please contact the school to cancel an assignment in AESOP.

Q: What happens if I have a change in phone number/address?
A: If you change your phone number in AESOP the new phone number becomes your new login ID. To change your phone number and/or address, click View Personal Information, make your change and click the Apply Changes button.

Q: Why does the work day not showing in my calendar?
A: If you worked at “School X” on a particular day and it does not show in your calendar, please contact the school and ask them to complete the assignment in AESOP. You will still receive pay as the time is submitted separately.

Q: Why is AESOP not calling me?
A: You need to search for assignments, do not wait for AESOP to call you. AESOP only makes telephone calls the evening before an assignment or the morning the assignment takes place. Jobs are posted throughout the day and evening. So search AESOP frequently.

Q: Why I am not seeing assignments on AESOP?
A: You must click – Search for Assignments. We have hundreds of active subs in our system and most jobs are filled in seconds. We normally use only 12-18% of our substitutes daily. There are peaks and valleys in the number of substitutes required. Usually September, December and June are months with limited assignments.

Q: How does AESOP work?
A: AESOP works by preferred sub lists. When an assignment is created the system looks at the employees list of preferred subs, next the schools list of preferred subs and then goes out to the qualified subs, before it finally looks for a classroom substitute. If it still has not found a sub, the evening before an assignment, AESOP will begin making telephone calls but will still be available via the internet. There are user guides (phone and internet) available on your AESOP homepage under the link – Training and Reference Materials. They are very user friendly and provide instructions and screenshots. If you are still having difficulties, please email us at aesop@hrce.ca or call 902-464-2000 ext. 2110 for further assistance. AESOP Administrator Human Resource Services.