Strengthening French Language Education: Lakehead Secures Funding to Support FSL Teachers
Lakehead University has secured $228,307.60 in provincial funding over two years to support the recruitment and retention of French as a Second Language (FSL) teachers and reduce barriers to accessing French-language teacher education programs.
The funding, awarded by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, will support two complementary projects: the development of DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) preparation modules for current and aspiring teachers, and initiatives to strengthen French-language proficiency and FSL teaching confidence through teaching placements, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Drs. Pauline Sameshima (Professor, Faculty of Education) and Sarah Jacoba (Chair and Associate Professor (Teaching), Department of Languages) wrote the proposal, working in partnership with Lakehead Public Schools, the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, and Canadian Parents for French–Ontario.
Pauline explains that the funding “recognizes the incredible power of partnerships in addressing Ontario’s need for qualified French as a Second Language teachers. We are excited that we will be able to expand access to French-language training and immersive placements, helping future teachers build the confidence and skills to inspire French learners across Northwestern Ontario.”
DELF Preparation Modules: Building French-Language Proficiency
The first project will see the development of two 10-week hybrid preparation modules for the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF), an internationally recognized French-language proficiency certification for non-native speakers.
These modules will support current students, job-seeking FSL teacher graduates, and practicing FSL teachers upgrading skills for B1/B2- or B2+/C1 certification—as required of teacher candidates by Lakehead University and select local school boards.
Combining in-person and online instruction with weekend and summer learning options, the modules will make DELF preparation more accessible to individuals facing financial, scheduling, and geographic barriers. Participants will receive support in developing their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, strengthening their French proficiency and preparing them to earn the DELF certificate.
As Sarah notes, supporting language proficiency through the development of preparation modules will help to ensure the long-term quality of FSL education.
“Language skills require regular maintenance; ongoing training and exposure to the language at a high level is necessary for all FSL learners throughout their career, in order to ensure sustained, quality FSL teaching in our classrooms. Affordable access to continued DELF and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française - Diploma in Advanced French) examination training provides a pathway for supporting greater language proficiency among teachers and teacher candidates.”
Supporting Experiential Learning and Professional Growth
The second project focuses on strengthening French-language proficiency and FSL teaching confidence through three forms of support:
- Travel support for teacher candidates: Financial assistance for travel and accommodation for teacher candidates completing placements in the region or in French-speaking regions of Canada.
- Teacher mentorship subsidies: Funding of up to $1,000 per local French teacher to participate in the Association canadienne des professionnels de l’immersion (ACPI) language coaching program.
- Professional development opportunities: Support for Associate Teachers to attend conferences, including those offered by the Ontario Modern Language Teachers’ Association.
Sarah adds that these initiatives reflect a broader institutional commitment to French-language education.
“Through targeted funding initiatives such as these, Lakehead is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the teachers who help students learn French, so that the number of students who proficiently speak both of Canada’s official languages continues to grow.”
Below: Dr. Pauline Sameshima (left) and Dr. Sarah Jacoba developed the funding proposal.
