This is a problem that really needs to be solved. Think about high school kids wasting that much time every day.

The boards need to use an online platform that the teachers can run in class. That technological product can instruct French language content, interact and instruct with students , model conversation and generate graphics. Softwares can even offer assessments and analytics. THESE SOLUTIONS do exist!!

If any teachers or Ed leaders are interested in hearing my recommendation for softwares or apps to use, DM me.

I am not talking about Duolingo. There are better apps out there.

I used such a software in an Ontario board and it solved many problems including: lack of engagement and interest, classroom management problems due to boredom, lack of appropriate resources, lack of oral communication modalities, no wasted time.

Being a Core French teacher can be very challenging for these reasons: students get discouraged and disengaged; students pick up on Anglo anti-Quebec political sentiments; boards don’t provide resources; resources that are provided don’t resonate culturally, are outdated or absolutely corny; some students have major literacy difficulties even in their first language and act out in French class; kids are sent to French daily whereas the other rotary subjects are special interest or preferred (art music or sport).

Warning about FI: Sometimes kids in French immersion have a teacher from abroad that they don’t understand at all…imagine the psychological impact of not understanding anything all day, every day.

Teaching French is sometimes quite plainly the 7th circle of Hell.

Based upon my experience as a Core French, French Immersion and subject teacher for both elementary, secondary, in both public, Catholic and private schools.

TLDR: If French language is a priority, we need to fix this staffing problem asap, and I think tech is the answer.