MAFTI is a non-profit organization composed of Filipino and non-Filipino teachers, educational assistants and early childhood educators. In Winnipeg recently, it put on a well-attended session for teachers from other countries and from out of province on how to get certified in Manitoba. (In Canada, every province has its own certification requirements.)

Mary Jane Napolitano, President, of the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Incorporated (MAFTI) said the main goal of the gathering was to give the would-be Manitoba teachers an understanding of the process of getting certified and to give them hope. 

Why? "It's a long processs and can be quite complex," said Connie Lehky, a speaker at the workshop. According to Lehky, who is the program coordinator for the professional certification unit of Manitoba Education and Early Childcare Learning. She said that the hyperlink they have provided to participants provides a clear understanding of the steps and the requirements.

She advised that participants go step-by-step getting the requirements that they need. She said there are university courses that can help one fully understand the process, the requirements and the Manitoba teaching standards. She said that would-be teachers can work their way through the steps, bit by bit on a part-time basis. If going through a university program, then there is financial assistance available, she explained.

Napolitano added that getting the certification does not mean you immediately have a job. You need to apply and apply. She said that finding jobs outside of Winnipeg is easier, particularly in the northern communities. Some of them will even take teachers before they are fully certified and help them get there.  

Her final message for participants was to not give up on their passion. There is hope. 

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