Nipissing University's Schulich School of Education has been awarded $424,454 by the Government of Ontario under its French Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy (2021-2025) to advance French as a Second Language (FSL) teacher education and support. This funding builds on previous initiatives, further addressing the shortage of qualified FSL teachers across Ontario by developing innovative programming and strengthening teacher candidates' language proficiency and pedagogical skills.
"We are thrilled to receive this funding to continue supporting the development and retention of French as a second language teachers," said Dr. Callie Mady, Professor at Nipissing University's Schulich School of Education. "Through these projects, we are not only providing unique opportunities for teacher candidates and current educators but also working closely with local school boards to ensure the needs of FSL teachers are met effectively."
The grant will fund eight distinct projects that include:
- Offering a compulsory BEd course, Special Needs of Students, in French to enhance teacher candidates' language skills.
- Developing and delivering Reading Part II: French as a Second Language Focus, making Nipissing University one of the first institutions to offer this course.
- Reaccrediting and delivering French as a Second Language Part I for teachers.
- Providing concurrent education students with opportunities to use French in school settings under expert teacher guidance.
- Delivering four professional development sessions annually in French for teacher candidates, covering topics such as lesson planning and teaching reading in French immersion.
- Supporting six FSL Additional Qualification (AQ) courses, including Adapting Curriculum for Second Language Learners: FSL Focus, with reduced registration fees for educators.
- Developing and offering Reading Specialist: French as a Second Language Focus, potentially positioning Nipissing as the only accredited provider for this course.
- Developing and offering Special Education Part I: French as a Second Language Focus, also unique to Nipissing University.
"This funding enables us to provide innovative programming that is essential for addressing the FSL teacher shortage and supporting educators," said Dr. Ann-Barbara Graff, Provost and Vice-President Academic at Nipissing University. "We are proud to be a leader in this area and to partner with local school boards to make a tangible impact on French education in Ontario."
Canada's ongoing shortage of FSL teachers is well-documented, with reports highlighting a lack of resources to support teachers' language proficiency and professional development. Research indicates that 26% of FSL teachers leave the profession within their first five years. Nipissing University's initiatives aim to counter these trends by equipping educators with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive in their roles.
Among the highlights of this initiative is the blended delivery model for some AQ courses, which combines online learning with in-person sessions. This approach, supported by partnerships with the Near North District School Board and Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, allows educators to benefit from direct, practical training tailored to their needs.
For more information on Nipissing University's FSL programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.nipissingu.ca/academics/schulich-school-education/professional-development-teachers/french-second-language.
This project has been made possible thanks to the financial support of the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada under the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Minority Language Education and Second Official Language Instruction, 2024-25 to 2027-28.
