Every teacher has a story.
Some move across the world in search of new opportunities. Others return home after discovering that the best place to build a career was where they started. Todd’s story is a little bit of both. What began as a chance to teach French immersion became a career in the Cariboo spanning more than 13 years and a reminder that the right community can make all the difference. Sometimes, the best career decisions are the ones you never planned.
When Todd accepted his first French immersion teaching position in School District 27, it wasn’t because he had mapped out a career in French education. It was simply the opportunity that was available. Thirteen years later, he still describes that decision as one of the best he ever made.
“I thought, why not? Let’s give it a try. After the first year, I never looked back.”
Today, Todd has moved into a school leadership role, but his years teaching French immersion left a lasting impression, not only because of the students, but because of the people around him.
More Than Colleagues: A Community
For Todd, one of the biggest surprises was the strong sense of community within French immersion. Teachers regularly shared ideas, supported one another, and worked together to help students succeed. Families were engaged, students were eager to learn, and collaboration was simply part of everyday life.
“It’s a very supportive environment,” Todd explains. “Everyone wants to help each other.” For educators moving to a new community, or even a new country, that kind of support can make all the difference.
A Place Where Life Doesn’t Stop After Work
Teaching is only one part of the story. Growing up in Williams Lake, Todd always appreciated the Cariboo lifestyle. After spending time in larger cities during university, returning home reminded him of everything he loved about the region.
There are no long commutes or crowded highways. Instead, hiking trails, lakes, forests and outdoor adventures are only minutes away. “If I want to go for a hike after work, I just go.”
Whether you enjoy mountain biking, camping, fishing or simply spending time outdoors, the Cariboo offers the kind of work-life balance that’s becoming harder to find in larger urban centres.
A Future That’s Within Reach
For many teachers, affordability plays a major role when choosing where to build a career. In School District 27, housing is generally more attainable than in many parts of British Columbia. The district also helps new employees connect with available rental options, making the transition into the community easier. Instead of wondering whether home ownership will ever be possible, many educators discover that putting down roots is a realistic goal in the region.
A Community That Welcomes Newcomers
One thing Todd has noticed throughout his career is how people from different backgrounds quickly become part of the community.
He speaks about colleagues who arrived from other provinces and found not just employment, but a place to build a life. Drawn by the natural surroundings, the welcoming atmosphere and the slower pace of life, many have chosen to stay. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to grow up in the Cariboo to feel at home here.
Sometimes the Right Opportunity Changes Everything
Todd’s journey began with a simple decision to try something new. What he found was a supportive team, meaningful work, an active lifestyle and a community where relationships matter.
For French immersion educators looking for more than just their next teaching position, School District 27 offers the chance to build both a career and a life, surrounded by nature, supported by colleagues and connected to a community that values education. For those raising a family, the Cariboo also offers something special: a place where children can explore their interests, whether in sports, music, dance, the arts or outdoor adventures, while growing up in a close-knit community.
View current teaching opportunities in School District 27