Pathways to teaching in French in British Columbia
Discover the pathways that can lead to a rewarding career teaching French or teaching in French in British Columbia. This page explains the different French education programs offered in BC schools, outlines the steps to becoming a certified teacher, and highlights the academic pathways at Simon Fraser University (SFU) that can help you achieve your career goals.
French Education Programs in BC schools
There are three main French education programs in BC elementary and secondary schools:
- Core French / French as a Second Language (FSL): Teachers typically teach French as a subject, while all other subjects are taught in English.
- French Immersion: Teachers teach all subjects in French at the elementary level and various subjects in French at the secondary level, except English Language Arts.
- Francophone Program: Teachers teach all subjects in French, except for English Language Arts.
Why pursue a career in French-language education?
French-language teaching qualifications are highly valued in British Columbia and can help you:
- Access a wide range of teaching opportunities in Core French, French Immersion and Francophone programs.
- Stand out to school districts looking for qualified French-speaking educators.
- Increase your chances of securing a teaching position soon after completing your teacher education program.
Your pathway to becoming a certified teacher in BC
Step 1: Complete a bachelor’s degree
Already have a bachelor's degree? Before applying to a teacher education program, confirm that you have completed all admission and prerequisite requirements (see Step 2).
Earn a bachelor's degree while preparing for the grade level and subjects you want to teach.
The academic preparation required for elementary and secondary teaching differs:
- Elementary teaching: broad knowledge across several subject areas
- Secondary teaching: specialization in one or two teachable subject areas
As you complete your undergraduate degree, review the prerequisite requirements for admission to SFU's teacher education programs to ensure they are included in your program of study (see Step 2).
Step 2: Complete the admission prerequisites
During or after your undergraduate degree, complete the prerequisite courses and obtain the number of credits required for admission to SFU's teacher education programs.
Review the general, elementary and secondary admission requirements for SFU’s teaching programs:
- Professional Development Program (PDP) – for general applicants seeking teacher certification
- Professional Linking Program (PLP) – for applicants currently employed by a school district in a paraprofessional role
Step 3: Meet the language requirement for the French module
Applicants to the French Module of the Professional Development Program (PDP) or Professional Linking Program (PLP) who wish to teach in French must demonstrate the required level of French language competency.
As you plan your postsecondary studies, choose courses and experiences that help you maintain or strengthen your French language skills. If your goal is to improve your fluency, consider completing more courses taught in French or participating in a study abroad or exchange program in a Francophone community
Step 4: Complete a teacher education program
Professional Development Program (PDP)
The PDP – French Module is a full-time, 16-month program which will provide you with the knowledge and skills for a successful teaching career in Core French, French Immersion and/or Francophone programs. The program combines coursework, seminars, school experiences and a practicum, leading to eligibility for teacher certification in British Columbia.
Professional Linking Program (PLP)
Already working in a BC school?
The PLP – French Module is designed for school district employees working in paraprofessional roles, such as education assistants, counselors and other school support staff. The 16-month program allows students to work part-time in their current school position while completing their teacher education and becoming eligible for teacher certification.
External Resources
Explore the following resources to help you on your way to a career in teaching in French in British Columbia.
Make a future – Bâtir un avenir
Make a Future promotes French teaching opportunities in B.C (K-12).
In addition to being an online recruitment platform, the site is also a versatile tool designed to showcase the various options for becoming a teacher in the province for candidates certified in Canada or internationally. It offers resources and information on certification, academic requirements, and immigration, making it the go-to resource for all aspects of careers in French-language education in British Columbia.
Le Relais Francophone
Le Relais Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique cooperative offers free services to francophone and francophile immigrants wishing to settle in this beautiful province. Their settlement services are available to permanent residents, temporary residents (temporary workers and international students), refugees and foreign-born (naturalized) Canadian citizens.
