The Build From Within teacher development program brings together Winnipeg School Division, the Faculty of Education at the University of Winnipeg, and Indspire Canada and other service providers to develop a path for Indigenous High School Students to become teachers. The primary goal of Build From Within is to recognize and build on Indigenous students’ unique strengths and experiences to create competent and motivated teachers who are passionate about their work and want to contribute back as teachers. Starting in Grade 11, Indigenous students spend six years on a journey to become a teacher with the Winnipeg School Division. A total of 60 students will participate in two cohorts. Each cohort of 30 students engages in an academically rigorous program featuring classroom internships, as well as cultural, familial, mentorship, employment, and financial support.

The first step is graduation from high school and completion of a 300-hour Education Assistant Diploma Program. In addition, students are required to take a minimum of 48 hours of workshops (delivered by WSD staff) and participate in a practicum placement within the school division. Students will continue as Education Assistants while completing their Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Degrees at the University of Winnipeg.