Invest in Support And Retention for French Teachers Across Canada
There has been a 40% increase in French immersion enrolment in the last 20 years, but right now, 70% of schools across Canada are facing a shortage of French teachers. Why? Difficult working conditions, lack of funding for proper resources, and limited opportunities for professional development are causing French as a Second Language (FSL) teachers to leave the profession. We need your help in encouraging provincial and territorial governments to target more intentional, dedicated funding decisions that improve the working conditions for FSL teachers in their jurisdiction. By using more than words, we can provide an inclusive, rewarding working environment that will not only help improve FSL teacher retention, but provide more opportunities for our children to learn French—something we know can increase job prospects, social connections, and overall cognitive skills. “It would be so unfortunate if future generations didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy the linguistic and cultural richness that FSL education can bring,” says Karen Saffran, a parent whose children went through the French Immersion program in Medicine Hat, Alberta. “Learning another language is a window to another way of thinking,” echoes Peggy Holroyd, another parent whose children are learning French. “I think it helps give people empathy and helps multiple cultures live in harmony.” Together, we can use more than words to support our FSL teachers. Together, we can better the future of our children. Together, we can bring change. |
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As you know, French is part of Canada’s bilingual identity. In fact, 84% of Canadians are personally in favour of bilingualism for all of Canada.But there’s a big problem getting in the way of this happening.
Right now, Canada is facing a shortage of more than 9,000 FSL (French as a Second Language) teachers, which means more than 200,000 children are missing out on the opportunity to learn French.
I am calling on you to advocate with your government to invest more funding to help improve FSL teacher working conditions and create a welcoming, supportive environment sustaining teachers for a long and rewarding career.
Studies show FSL teachers face inequitable treatment compared to their teaching peers, and they are often forced to teach à la carte, moving supplies from class to class instead of having a dedicated space. This lack of professional consideration and harsh environment contributes to poor retention within French teaching positions, not to mention overall personal mental well-being.
Knowing French increases job opportunities and salaries, but without enough teachers, future generations won’t be able to access them. In 2021 alone, 205 French programs were either not offered, or taught by unqualified FSL teachers.
This is not okay.
It is up to you, as my elected representative, to safeguard the future of French teaching and learning in our province/territory, and that starts with providing targeted funding to ensure quality FSL programs are strong and alive in our schools.
It’s what I want, it’s what our French teachers need, and it’s what our future generations deserve.
Sincerely,
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