Early Career Resources

Quick Links

Categories of Membership

NSTU Dues

Benefits of Membership Handbook • English | French 2020

Teacher's Rights in Nova Scotia • English | French 2007

Membership

Membership Information Form

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete a Membership Information Form so that we may input your information into the Membership Registry. You must be entered into the Membership Registry in order to open an NSTU Account.
You may submit the Membership Information Forms online, or complete the attached PDF form and return it by fax to (902) 477-3517 or by email to nday@staff.nstu.ca.

Membership Application Forms

You may submit your application and payment online, or complete the attached PDF application form and return it by fax to (902) 477-3517 or by email to nday@staff.nstu.ca.

Professional Resources

Handbook for Early Career Teachers 2025-2026

Topics in this document are approached from a general perspective so that the content is applicable to teachers in all settings. This is by no means an exhaustive document; however, the Handbook for Early Career Teachers does provide information that has been deemed useful by new teachers from around the province with whom it has been field-tested.

John Huntley Memorial Internship

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has programs and services aimed specifically at members during their first five or so years as a member of the Union. The John Huntley Memorial Internship offers members – new and veteran – with a chance to spend time in Central Office learning the programs, services and opportunities available in the Union.

Job Hunting Skills

Identifying Your Skill Set

Writing a Resume

Writing a Cover Letter

Preparing a Professional Portfolio

Preparing for an Interview

Interview Team Expectations

The Interview Process

Debriefing an Interview and Growth from the Process

Bibliography of Early Career Resources

NSTU Guidebook Excerpt

Section II – By-Laws of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union

Article I – Membership

3. Reserve Member

    1. A Reserve Member is a teacher or other qualified person engaged on a day-to-day basis to take the place of a person regularly employed as a teacher by an Education Entity as defined by the Education Act, who has been employed as such for not less than fifteen (15) days in the preceding and/or the current school year, and who:
      1. is employed on a day-to-day basis by an education entity as defined by the Education Act to take the place of a regularly employed teacher;
      2. pays an annual Union Membership Fee as fixed from time-to-time by Council; and,

      3. pays per diem Union Membership Fees as fixed from time-to-time by Council.

    2. The rights of Reserve Membership shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the right to:
      1. benefits as provided through NSTU as bargaining agent;
      2. request legal assistance in instances resulting from problems arising in the performance of duties;
      3. professional counselling within education;
      4. vote at the local and provincial level;
      5. attend Council as outlined in Article II of these By-Laws;
      6. membership in Professional Associations, except the right to hold office;
      7. membership in the NSTU Group Insurance Plan, in accordance with the provisions of the plan;
      8. membership on NSTU committees, where elected or appointed; and,
      9. access NSTU publications and materials, as assigned, on the NSTU website.

5. Associate Member

    1. An Associate Member may be:
      1. an Active Member on a leave of absence;
      2. a member of the faculty of a provincial university; or,
      3. an education student at a university; and,

      4. who pays an annual Union Membership Fee as fixed from time-to-time by Council.

    2. The rights of Associate Membership shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the right to:
      1. membership in Professional Associations, except the right to hold office;
      2. attend Council as outlined in Article II of these By-Laws;
      3. membership in the NSTU Group Insurance Plan, in accordance with the provisions of the plan; and,
      4. access NSTU publications and materials, as assigned, on the NSTU website

Need assistance?

We welcome your comments and questions regarding these documents.

📞 (902) 477-5621
📞 Toll-Free: 1-800-565-6788
✉️ contractinfo@nstu.ca

Home > Member Info > Early Career and Substitutes > Early Career Resources