Abbotsford

District Overview

Why Abbotsford School District?

We believe that teachers continue to be drawn to the collaborative and supportive work environment that we provide. We have extensive professional development supports for new teachers, ranging from mentorship programs to leadership programs, and numerous career-pathing opportunities.

• Review our Strategic Plan
• Learn about our Mentorship Program
• Read the Superintendent’s Blog

Our Mission: Preparing and inspiring our students for a lifetime of success through Respect, Opportunity, and Innovation.

Our Vision: A world-class, innovative, and individualized educational experience for every student.

Our Values: Respect, Trust, Integrity, Communication, Teamwork.

Our Achievement Goals: To improve student achievement for all learners. To improve the school completion rates of all students.

Schools And Specialty Programs

The Abbotsford School District is home to 46 modern, well-equipped, well-maintained schools. We are pleased to offer a wide range of educational programs, choices, services, facilities and support to help every student achieve success.

We offer programs of choice in the integrated arts, traditional and French immersion streams. At the secondary level, we provide IB and AP, as well as career and technology programs so students can earn university credits while attending high school. Student athletes can enrol in one of three sports academies.

Nature Kindergarten

Nature Kindergarten is a district program offered at two of our schools. Exploration in the outdoors provides essential experiences for youngsters as they get to know their world through direct contact with the facets of nature.

Virtual School

Our Virtual School is a flexible alternative, and our thriving international student program provides distinctive educational and cultural experiences for international students. Learn more.

StrongStart

Developed by the Early Learning/Curriculum Department of Abbotsford School District in partnership with Chief Constable Rich, this short video demonstrates the benefits, needs and vision for StrongStarts and early learning. Benefits which last a lifetime!

Watch more videos about Abbotsford School District’s programs on Vimeo.

Community Culture

Why Abbotsford?

Located an hour from Vancouver, in the heart of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is BC’s fifth largest and fastest growing city with a population of more than 135,000.

Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, Abbotsford is an increasingly popular place to live and work, with its affordable housing, open spaces and rich opportunities for recreational and cultural experiences.

Learn more about the Abbotsford community on the Tourism Abbotsford and Fraser Valley tourism websites.

Regional Diversity

Abbotsford is the third most ethnically and culturally diverse community in Canada. More than 52 languages are spoken in our district and we have a growing immigrant population: 19.4 % of residents speak neither English nor French as a First Language, and 14% of the population indicates they speak Punjabi at home.

Abbotsford has the second-highest Aboriginal student population in the Fraser Valley.

Draw for Employees

Our innovative professional development model includes a facilitator in elementary and middle schools dedicated to creating vibrant professional learning communities. We also offer a successful teacher mentoring program, and opportunities for new teachers and administrators in a variety of educational settings.

See the District Strategic Plan for 2014-18

Salary and Benefits

Teachers typically receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• medical, dental, and extended health plans;
• group life insurance benefits;
• teachers’ pension;
• extended health benefits for dependents of deceased employees;
• accidental disability insurance;
• salary indemnity plan benefit;
• supplemental employment benefits on maternity leave;
• employee and family assistance programs.

Allowances

Teachers in positions with special responsibilities, e.g. department heads, teacher consultants, teacher coordinators, counsellors, psychologists, alternate school teachers, speech pathologists, may receive a financial allowance of $2,000-$4,000 annually.

Teachers working in remote and rural schools may also receive a recruitment allowance, and an annual retention allowance. Learn more about teacher salaries with the Salary Finder tool.

For specific details about Abbotsford’s compensation, salary, and benefits, please refer to their collective agreement.