Project Overview
- Research topics
- Region: Ouest
- Project Overview
Project status
- Completed :
- December 2020-March 2023
Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy in French Immersion and Second-Language Programs
Led by the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, this project aimed to address teacher recruitment and retention issues by focusing on two initiatives:
(1) Research and data collection
The first initiative included data collection to better understand, monitor and report on the state of teacher recruitment and retention in Alberta. Quantitative data was collected through a survey distributed to educational communities across Alberta in partnership with school boards and communities. This phase also included a qualitative study to capture and identify teachers’ perceptions of the profession as well as their preparation and satisfaction with teaching French. To achieve a greater recognition and appreciation for the teaching and learning of French Immersion programs and FSL courses, perceptions within the field were sought. An advisory committee of disciplinary researchers provided expert advice throughout the process. School board members and community partners also provided project advice.
(2) Student access and recruitment
The second initiative consisted of providing additional graduate and undergraduate courses in French to current and future teachers in the field (FI and FSL). Leveraging strength in pedagogical approaches of discipline-based programs and expertise in online teaching, more access is being provided to applicants in rural and remote communities.
Through collaborating with partners and marketing programs in Alberta, a larger pool of teacher applicants is available. Additional online graduate courses are being offered in French to teachers in the province and beyond. Finally, a recruitment strategy was implemented to recruit:
- undergraduate applicants from Alberta
- teachers who already have a degree in French and teaching experience by offering professional development opportunities
- additional French as a Second-Language: pedagogy specialists to teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
By implementing this project, the Werklund School of Education is well positioned to recruit, retain and prepare potential teachers for French Immersion and FSL programs.
Targeted Results
Main takeaways (learnings)
- School boards have been receptive to the opportunity to work with the university and offer professional development courses to their teaching staff.
- They recognize the need.
Potential/desired collaborations
- For information sharing.
- For collaborative research.
- To work in interdisciplinary teams because this is a national issue.
- To share knowledge and forge alliances.
- To encourage the learning of French as a second and first language everywhere, in order to curb assimilation.
