FSL Teacher Recruitment and Retention
The promotion of the cognitive, cultural, economic and employment benefits of learning French as a Second Language (FSL) has contributed to the rising enrolment in FSL programs. As a common roadblock to expanding FSL programming in local school boards and communities is the lack of supply of qualified FSL teachers. Canadian Parents for French has long monitored the situation and struggles of school districts / boards across the country in maintaining a sufficient supply of qualified French as a second language (FSL) teachers to respond to continually-increasing demand for French immersion programs as well as more core French and intensive French program options.
Read our 2018 FSL Teacher Supply and Demand in Canada Position Paper:
In 2019, OCOL released a report entitled Accessing Opportunity: A study on challenges in FSL education teacher supply and demand in Canada which stated that without addressing the challenges in FSL teacher supply and demand, it is unlikely that access to FSL education will improve and, consequently, unlikely that the overall English/French bilingualism rates among non-Francophones will increase in the foreseeable future.
Teach in French- Give the Gift of Language and Culture
Between 2003 and 2013, Canada saw a 52% increase in French Immersion enrolment. The increased awareness of the cognitive, cultural, economic, social and employment benefits of learning French as a Second Language (FSL) has contributed to the rising enrolment in FSL programs/ courses. Parents expect their children to be able to fully participate in the public and cultural life of our bilingual country.
Canadian Parents for French-Manitoba (CPF-MB) Brings Partners Together
CPF-MB acts in partnership with various organizations and associations to promote the importance of linguistic duality and bilingualism in Canada. CPF-MB and its partners focus on offering support to teachers, parents, and youth. Together with its partners, CPF-MB promotes the importance of recruiting and retaining qualified FSL teachers, so that quality FSL programs are offered to all youth, in all regions across Canada.
CHOOSE A CAREER
In 2018, the Federal government set an objective to increase the bilingualism rate of the Canadian population to 20% by 2036 (from the existing 17.9%).
A common roadblock to increasing access to FSL programming is the shortage of qualified teachers. A coordinated national and regional strategy is underway to recruit and retain teachers for French Immersion and other FSL programs and courses.
For those thinking about becoming a teacher, or if you’re already in a teacher education program, but haven’t chosen a specific subject to teach, then consider this – teaching French!
For those with excellent skills in oral and written French, consider a great opportunity that is available to you – a career in teaching French!
Here’s more good news – depending on the university you plan to attend, you may be eligible for increased grant funding and bursaries if you are studying to be an FSL teacher!
CHOOSE OPPORTUNITY
In Manitoba, there are many job opportunities for FSL teachers: the majority of jobs are in teaching French Immersion in elementary schools and high schools.
Teaching focuses on how to communicate in French, appreciate French cultures and increase intercultural awareness.
In French Immersion, many, if not all of the subjects are taught in French.
- Early Immersion can begin in Kindergarten or Grade 1
- Middle Immersion usually starts in Grade 4
- Late Immersion usually starts in Grade 6 or 7.
- Core French (sometimes called Basic French), is taught as a subject/course within the English program.
The amount of time dedicated to these classes varies from school board to school board, across the country. FSL teachers are in demand in Manitoba, with many postings for FSL teachers in either long-term, short-term or occasional positions, at all levels.
The number of job opportunities available to you is limited only by how far you want to travel.
CHOOSE A COMMUNITY, CHOOSE FSL
FSL programs and FSL teachers play a crucial role in maintaining Canada’s cultural identity by promoting bilingualism.
FSL teachers enjoy the benefit of belonging to a strong professional community, not just within their own school and district or board, but also across their province and the country, via departments or ministries of education and language teacher associations.
Special opportunities are offered to FSL teachers to support their ongoing language learning and maintenance, as well as to introduce new French cultural initiatives.
Imagine how satisfying it can be to pass on your passion for French to students. Not only will you be teaching them a new language, but you will also be passing on an appreciation for a culture, and introducing them to a part of Canada and the world that they may never have otherwise discovered.
SHOW ME WHY
I should become a French teacher.
Becoming an FSL teacher is a special calling. It requires a unique skillset and there are some amazing benefits to pursuing this career. Not sure if it’s right for you? Take the quiz!
Read the Benefits
In high demand
Schools want you. When you become an FSL teacher, you’re helping fulfill a huge need in Manitoba, and Canada-wide. FSL teachers are one of the most sought-after education professionals, and not just as teachers but as coaches, librarians, guidance counsellors, principals, school board administration, and even Ministry of Education staff. High demand equals more job opportunities for you in FSL.
Promoting a unique skill set.
Being proficient in the French language is a unique skillset that you should be proud to have and pass on – and you can pass it on in a way that you’re passionate about!
Security
As a teacher with a highly in-demand specialty, you are very likely to enjoy a level of job security throughout your career that is rarely seen in any field these days. Also, teaching in general has a number of financial benefits, from the initial salary and annual raises, to the health benefit
Flexibility
As an in-demand position, FSL teachers enjoy more flexibility in where they work within the school system. Plus, FSL teachers teach French but can also teach other subjects in French, so you have the flexibility of teaching a wide array of classes. And don’t forget, as a teacher you have the summer to yourself and three weeks off during the school year – this gives you the flexibility to travel, pursue other passions, and much more.
Making a difference.
Like all teachers, you have the opportunity and the ability to truly make a difference in people’s lives. By educating and inspiring the next generation to follow their dreams, you’ll truly be making a career out of making a difference.
