If you are fluent in French and want to become a French language educator in British Columbia schools, the good news is that you have multiple options. There are various types of French programs available, such as Core French, French Immersion, and full francophone educatoin with the Conseil Scolaire Francophone. The majority of school districts in the province are looking for French teachers to fill these roles. Currently, there are about 1,300 French teaching job opportunities listed on the Make a Future website.
With so many options, you are in a favorable position to make a choice based on your goals and how you want your life and career to unfold. However, having so many options can be overwhelming, and choosing the perfect fit might seem challenging. How do you know which option will be the right match for you?
It’s important to know which of the 3 types of French teaching programs you’re interested in before applying for a job. Your choice will depend on your comfort level and proficiency in French. Your knowledge and desire to be immersed in the language and culture also play a significant role.
The first step is to identify the types of jobs available and for which you are qualified.
Core French
Core French teachers work in schools across British Columbia. They teach French to students from grade 5 through 12 in an environment primarily conducted in English. You can teach Core French at any public school (over 1,500 schools) or independent schools (around 350).
Because Core French is mandatory in the majority of schools across the province, opportunities are abundant. Teachers can find positions in remote communities or major cities, and in a variety of school settings, including religious schools, arts-focused schools, or those with an outdoor-oriented curriculum. The program offers the flexibility to choose a school that aligns with both lifestyle and geographic preferences
French Immersion
French Immersion educators teach the British Columbia curriculum entirely or partially in French. They may or may not teach some parts of the curriculum in English. They can work in schools dedicated entirely to French Immersion or in an Immersion program within an English-speaking school. In all cases, they report student grades in English and communicate with parents and their school district in English.
Immersion schools are divided into two categories. Early Immersion starts in kindergarten, while Late Immersion begins in grade 6. The goal of Early Immersion is for students to be fully proficient in both English and French by the end of grade 12. The goal of Late Immersion is for students to master English and achieve a good level of fluency in French by the end of grade 12.
Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSFCB)
The Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, or CSF, is a French-language school district managing approximately 50 schools across the province. Most of these schools are primary and elementary schools, but some offer education up to grade 12, primarily in urban centers.
CSF educators teach the BC curriculum entirely in French, except for English language courses. They work in schools and a district that communicate solely in French, although teachers must be fully bilingual.
CSF schools greatly value the French-speaking culture and the contribution of the francophone community. Working in a CSF school offers a unique advantage. You will have access to a francophone school district that provides support and fosters a strong sense of community. These schools instill a sense of belonging similar to that experienced in the francophone community. If your heart belongs to the French-speaking world, a CSF school is for you.
Lifestyle is the Key Factor
The lifestyle you desire plays a crucial role in choosing your school. The diversity of professional opportunities is vast, so it’s essential to consider the lifestyle you want and the location that suits you best. For example, if you enjoy hiking, you might find opportunities in mountainous regions. If you have a family, it’s important to think about what type of school you would want to enroll your child in. If you prefer not to drive or need easy access to services, choosing a city might be more suitable. Finally, for those looking to buy a home, settling in an area with more affordable property prices could be the best option.
The advantages of teaching French in British Columbia are so extensive that teachers have a wide range of options to choose from.