“`html
Ontario Boosts Teacher Training to Combat Shortage: Laurentian University to Add 30 French Program Spots
Table of Contents
Sudbury, ON – In a move to address the growing teacher shortage across the province, Laurentian University of Sudbury is set to extend acceptance letters to 30 more aspiring educators for its French education program. This initiative follows a recent proclamation of provincial government funding aimed at creating 2,600 additional places in Ontario’s education faculties.
Laurentian University expands French Teacher program
Natalie Poulin-Lehoux, the associated vice-rector of French-speaking affairs at Laurentian University, stated that the province had previously allocated approximately 200 places for its French program, spanning from baccalaureate to education. The addition of 30 places represents a significant boost to these existing resources.
Did You No? Ontario’s teacher shortage is particularly acute in secondary schools and STEM subjects [[2]].
Poulin-Lehoux emphasized that these additional spots should contribute to improving French teaching, especially in Northern Ontario. However, she acknowledged that filling these places will require considerable effort, as the registration deadline, which was set last December for students commencing studies in the fall, has already passed. The university plans to contact potential students to extend new offers.
Nipissing University awaits Funding Details
Simultaneously occurring, the University of Nipissing is awaiting confirmation on the number of additional places that will be funded for its education programs.Graydon Raymer, the dean of the faculty of education, explained that the university relies less on provincial government funding, as tuition fees are the primary source of revenue for the education program. Raymer stated that the university receives government grants for only a limited number of students.
Pro Tip: Consider exploring programs like the one at Laurentian University if you’re interested in becoming a French teacher in Ontario.
During the last convocation at the University of Nipissing, over 450 new teachers graduated. Raymer indicated that the university is prepared to accommodate more students, but the limited time remaining before the fall semester presents logistical challenges. He noted that accommodating additional students would require more trainers and increased administrative workload. The university is currently in discussions with the province to determine the funding mechanisms that will support these additional places in teacher training.
Ontario Teacher Shortage: A Growing Concern
The push to increase enrollment in teacher education programs comes as Ontario grapples with a growing teacher shortage.The Ministry of Education projects that the shortage will worsen in 2027 due to rising retirements and increasing student enrollment [[
