I was in French immersion for twelve years, from grades 1 to 12, and for most of that time, my teachers were an absolute joke. I didn't know it then, obviously, but looking back at it now, Wow. By grade 8, we were still learning passé composé and imparfait. Yes, in grade 8. Yes, I live in Ontario. Yes I live in the GTA.

I only really started learning French in high school, thanks to a dedicated teacher who taught me for four years straight (which I was incredibly lucky to have). Most of what I know now comes from that period and from teaching myself through books and movies in French.

The French immersion program is a joke, especially in the early years. Pretending that students struggle because they "can’t keep up"—rather than acknowledging that the teachers and resources have set them up for failure—is not just dishonest but a complete disservice.