Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Timeline
References
Teacher
Ernestine Huhtala

Ernestine Huhtala

Teacher
Waterhen ,MB

Summary

Dedicated teacher with experience in collaborative teaching, instructional adaptation, and student advocacy. Committed to implementing individualized education plans and fostering engaging learning experiences to motivate diverse learners.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience

Work History

Resource Teacher

Frontier School Division
Skownan, MB
09.2025 - Current
  • Collaborated with educators to develop and implement individualized education plans for students.
  • Assisted in assessing students' academic needs and monitoring progress through data analysis.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to enhance student engagement and understanding of core subjects.
  • Provided updates on student performance and strategies for support.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to refine instructional techniques and strategies.

Grade 1&2 Classroom Teacher

Manitoba First Nation School System
Keeseekowenin First Nation
04.2025 - 06.2025
  • Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards for Grade 1 and 2 students.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
  • Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs of students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to enhance educational programs and student outcomes.
  • Fostered positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and participation.
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding student performance and classroom activities.

High School Coordinator

Manitoba First Nation School System
Keeseekoowenin First Nation/Strathclair Highschool
09.2024 - 06.2025
  • Coordinated extracurricular activities to enhance student engagement and participation.
  • Developed academic support tailored to individual student needs. Keeseekoowenin Youth Centre for tutoring and monthly fundraising events/Grad Committee
  • Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, and administration for improved student outcomes.
  • Implemented strategies to promote cultural awareness activities within the school community

Middle Years & Senior Years Teacher

Frontier School Division
Skownan, MB
09.2006 - 06.2024
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
  • Designed and integrated group projects and hands-on activities into the curriculum to promote active learning and student
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Evaluated student performance consistently through formative and summative assessments.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
  • Designed and implemented strategies to foster a positive learning atmosphere, enhancing student inquiry and analytical skills.
  • Conducted ongoing professional development in educational technology, keeping teaching approach current and effective.
  • Project-based learning and hands-on activities
  • Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature and land-based activities.

Keeseekoowenin Sharing Lodge

Keeseekoowenin First Nation/ Eugene Blackbird
Wasagaming/Clear Lake MB
04.2006 - 08.2006
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Established cooperative relationships with representatives of Riding Mountain National Park and public interest groups.
  • Organized historic Treaty II archived pictures and exhibits, Indigenous crafts activities and land-based outings.
  • Created monthly newsletter and event poster and workshops.

Resource Teacher & Grade 8&9 English Language Arts

Frontier School Division
Waterhen, MB
01.2006 - 03.2006
  • Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs.
  • Collaborated with teachers to implement effective instructional strategies.
  • Mentored and supported Educational Assistants
  • Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust interventions.
  • Facilitated differentiated instruction by providing a variety of resources tailored to meet each student''s unique needs and abilities.
  • Enhanced student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lessons.
  • Integration of Indigenous perspectives into Media Course, ELA Newspaper, Literature Circles and Speaker's Club.

Early & Middle Years Teacher

Keeseekoowenin First Nation
Keeseekoowenin First Nation
09.1999 - 12.2005

Developed tailored lessons based on student needs

Implement curriculum for the grades taught during this period; Grades 1&2, 3&4, 6&7, 8&9.

Completed Special Education degree.

Educational Assistant/PENT Student Teacher

Frontier School Division
Waterhen School
09.1987 - 06.1999
  • Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for diverse learners and student inquiry projects.
  • Supported classroom management.
  • Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and mutual respect to create a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
  • Assisted and supervised students: Frontier Games, Student Exchange trip to Newfoundland and Yellowstone National Park USA.
  • Home Economics and Arts & Craft classes

Work Orientation Worker

Dauphin Friendship Center
Dauphin, MB
07.1996 - 08.1996

Managed all phases of recruitment of students for employment including resume writing, interview process, life skills and employment placements for each of ten communities. Delivered a two week student seminar which included a tour of the Brandon University.

Council Clerk

Dept. of Northern Affairs
Mallard, MB
09.1984 - 06.1987

Budgeting, proposal writing, and general business accounting.

Education

Master of Education - Language & Literacy

University of Manitoba
Winnipeg
06-2022

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Special Education

University of Manitoba
Winnipeg
06-2006

Bachelor of Education -

Brandon University
Brandon
1995

Educational Assistant Diploma -

University of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, MB
1992

Skills

  • Collaborative teaching
  • Instructional adaptation and strategies
  • Student advocacy
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Motivating students

Languages

English

Interests

Craft projects, gardening, outdoor activities, sewing, reading, music and school/community events

Timeline

Resource Teacher

Frontier School Division
09.2025 - Current

Grade 1&2 Classroom Teacher

Manitoba First Nation School System
04.2025 - 06.2025

High School Coordinator

Manitoba First Nation School System
09.2024 - 06.2025

Middle Years & Senior Years Teacher

Frontier School Division
09.2006 - 06.2024

Keeseekoowenin Sharing Lodge

Keeseekoowenin First Nation/ Eugene Blackbird
04.2006 - 08.2006

Resource Teacher & Grade 8&9 English Language Arts

Frontier School Division
01.2006 - 03.2006

Early & Middle Years Teacher

Keeseekoowenin First Nation
09.1999 - 12.2005

Work Orientation Worker

Dauphin Friendship Center
07.1996 - 08.1996

Educational Assistant/PENT Student Teacher

Frontier School Division
09.1987 - 06.1999

Council Clerk

Dept. of Northern Affairs
09.1984 - 06.1987

Master of Education - Language & Literacy

University of Manitoba

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Special Education

University of Manitoba

Bachelor of Education -

Brandon University

Educational Assistant Diploma -

University of Winnipeg

References

MaryAnn Velera - Principal at Skownan School 204-628-3315

Theresa Nepinak - Ojibway Teacher & former principal at Skownan School

Audrey Blackbird- Principal at Keeseekoowenin School - 204-625-2062

Curtis Nepinak - Assistant Director of Instructional Services MFNSS 204-594-1290

Geraldine Campbell-First Nation Language and Culture Coordinator  204204-594-1290

Ernestine HuhtalaTeacher