May 11, 2026
Takulirit?! The Spring issue of Takulirit is here! In this issue, President, Justin Matchett delves into the 2026 Annual Meeting of Central Council. In his Executive Director’s Report, John outlines some common issues the spring can bring. There’s a celebration of amazing stories from PD week (Members are sharing their inspirational experiences at the Inuit Educators’ Conference!). And, there is a profile of the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award winner.
Happy Reading, Colleagues!
Marsha Rhodes, Professional Development Coordinator
Marsha began her teaching career immediately after university at Inuksuk High School. She taught Social Studies and English before moving to elementary classrooms. Marsha has taught at Nakasuk Ilinniarvik School and Joamie Ilinniarvik School. She has also worked as a literacy coach, but she loved her time working directly with students and their families in the classroom. Over her teaching career, she has served as a Communications Liaison and PD Liaison for the NTA and has participated on conference committees. Recently, she transitioned from classroom teaching to take on the role of PD Coordinator. She is very eager to support student learning by helping educators on their own professional development journeys. Marsha brings 21 years of Northern Educator experience to the role. She is excited to assist members in navigating meaningful professional development opportunities that are relevant and current to their teaching, students, and communities.
Natasha Simonee, Inuit Member Support Coordinator
The Nunavut Teachers’ Association is excited to welcome Natasha Simonee as our new Inuit Member Support Coordinator!
Natasha will be available to provide Member representative services and supports in Inuktitut and English, beginning January 5th, 2026, and can be reached at nsimonee@ntanu.ca.
Craig MacGregor, Professional Development Coordinator
Craig began his career in education as a middle school generalist at Attagoyuk Ilisavik in Pangnirtung before moving to Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit where he was a high school Social Studies and Humanities teacher, eventually transitioning into school administration. In addition to secondments served with the NTA in the roles of Professional Development Coordinator and Professional Development Conference Coordinator, Craig has maintained steady involvement with the Association throughout his career in the roles of PD Liaison; Member-at-Large and Vice President of Central Qikiqtani Regional Executive; member of the Public Relations Committee; member of the Collective Bargaining Team; and as the NTA Secretary Treasurer. Working closely with PD Liaisons and the Professional Development Council, Craig leverages his years of experience in Nunavut to support NTA members engaging in meaningful and relevant teacher-driven professional development.
Brian Barry, Financial Controller
Teaching at Quluaq School in Clyde River for several years before moving to Iqaluit for stints at both Aqsarniit and Inuksuk Schools, Brian brings an important vantage point to the Association. His expertise focuses on the financial aspects of the Nunavut Teachers’ Association and is crucial to the work of the Finance Committee.
Shannon Hessian, Professional Development Coordinator
Building upon roles in Nanook, Joamie, and Aqsarniit Schools, Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge serving as Professional Development Coordinator. Reflecting on practice, Shannon is dedicated facilitating professional growth, and teacher driven professional development as she works closely with PD Liaisons, and the Professional Development Council.
Sonja Lonsdale, Director, Member Services
Sonja began teaching in Iqaluit before serving as principal of Joamie School for 8 years. Holding roles such as Communications Liaison, Sonja also served on joint GN-NTA Safe Schools/Anti-Violence committee and as the representative for the Canadian Association of Principals where she brings her expertise as an Administrator, and knowledge of factors influencing education.
Patricia MacNeil, Assistant Executive Director
Patricia began at Inuujaq School in Arctic Bay and continued her career in various communities in the Qiqiktani. She has served as PD and Communications Liaisons as well as on regional and territorial conference steering committees. Patricia served on the Collective Bargaining Team, Status of Women, Curriculum Support, and Safe Schools/Anti-Violence, and committees, as well as holding positions on Qikiqtani North and South Regional Executives.
John Fanjoy, Executive Director
John began his teaching career at Nasivvik High School in Mittimatalik before moving to Aqsarniit Middle School in Iqaluit. His has served in the roles of Communications Liaison, PD Liaison, PDC Representative as well as holding positions on regional executive. Additionally, John served as NTA Secretary Treasurer, Chair of Finance and Legislative committees, Chair of the Collective Bargaining Team, and most recently NTA President.
Justin Matchett, President
Beginning at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik in Kugluktuk, Justin has held various teaching and administrative roles in the Kitikmeot and subsequently Kivalliq regions when he moved to Baker Lake. Justin has served in the roles PD and Communications Liaison as well as holding the position of Kivalliq North Vice President and serving on the most recent Collective Bargaining Team.
