Canada is currently facing a significant shortage of French as a Second Language (FSL) teachers. While this problem is complex and multifaceted, a lack of qualified teachers and a high rate of teacher turnover are largely to blame.
To work towards better understanding and potentially solving this problem, the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) has launched a two-year research project titled Identifying Requirements and Gaps in French as a Second Language (FSL) Teacher Education: Recommendations and Guidelines. Led by a consortium of research experts from three Canadian universities — the University of Ottawa, the University of British Columbia, and the University of New Brunswick — the project aims to identify ways to better equip new FSL teachers for success in the early stages of their careers.
Dr. Stephanie Arnott, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, is the lead researcher of the study that is investigating the present standards and practices in Canadian K–12 FSL education in terms of preparing, certifying, and hiring FSL teachers.
CASLT is currently recruiting Faculty of Education representatives, school district representatives, and new FSL teachers (in their first five years of teaching FSL) to participate in this study. Participation involves completing an online survey and/or taking part in a focus group.
Learn more about the study and participate today to help shape the future of FSL teacher education in Canada.
CASLT press contact:
Solomiya Ostapyk
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
613-727-0994, ext. 203
[email protected]
University of Ottawa press contact:
Justine Boutet
Media Relations Officer
Cell: 613.762.2908
[email protected]