Apply by March 1 to join the Multi-State Pathways to Teaching French Spring 2024 cohort.
Are you an advanced, native, or heritage French speaker? Are you interested in becoming a French teacher in the United States and do not know where to start? Look no further, the Multi-State Pathways to Teaching French program is designed for you.
According to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 47 US states and the District of Columbia report a dire shortage of teachers of foreign languages – and French is no exception. Lack of human resources is reported as the largest constraint in enhancing French teaching by administrators in American schools.
Yet, with 1.3 million French speakers in the US, some of whom are native or heritage speakers, the talent pool for careers in French language education is impressive. Many of these potential applicants are simply facing significant obstacles in joining the teaching profession, starting with issues surrounding affordability and a lack of information on licensing programs.
Overview
This training opportunity aims to support applicants in jumpstarting careers in teaching French with a 70-hour long, three-phase online curriculum targeted at fluent French speakers all over the US, particularly native and heritage speakers.
Upon completion of the program, successful participants will obtain:
- A Personalized Learning Plan outlining the final steps required to obtain a teaching license
- Up to three university credits applicable toward an approved teacher preparation program
- Contact with appropriate state and district administrators to secure positions within schools and gaining classroom experience alongside finishing their certifications.
The Multi-State Pathways to Teaching French is not a certification/licensure program in and by itself.
Participants are still required to complete additional coursework to become fully certified teachers and, as their Personalized Learning Plan will state, may choose to pursue this coursework full-time in a state approved teacher preparation program, or part-time, while working as a teacher, through an alternative pathway to accreditation.
Eligibility
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or the foreign equivalent)
- Prior authorization to work in the United States
- Fluent proficiency in the French language
- Good knowledge of the English language
Should you be accepted into the program, you will be asked to pay a registration fee of $150 to cover the cost of books that will be sent to you as well as a French language proficiency test, if applicable. The classes are completely free of charge.
If you are interested, please apply by March 1 by filling out this form.
Check out our Q&A, our flyer, last year’s webinar and our dedicated page for more information.
Should you have more questions, please email elisa.alvarez@frenchculture.org
Timeline
March 1: Application deadline
Mid-March 2024: Laureates selected and notified
April-May: Phase One Pre-Institute (22 hours: 11 synchronous/11 autonomous)
S1-April 4: 7:00-8:00 pm ET + one hour autonomous work
S2-April 6: 12:00-2:00 pm ET + one hour autonomous work
S3-April 18 21: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
S4-April 25: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
S5-May 2: 12:00-2:00 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
S6-May 11: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
May-June: Phase Two (30 hours: 10 synchronous/20 autonomous)
S1-May 16 25: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + four hours autonomous work (Guest speaker)
S2-May 23: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + four hours autonomous work (Guest speaker)
S3-May 30: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + four hours autonomous work (Guest speaker)
S4-June 1: 12:00-2:00 pm ET + four hours autonomous work (Guest speaker)
S5-June 6: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + four hours autonomous work
Office hours (by appointment/optional): three dates
June-January 2025: Phase Three (24 hours: 12 synchronous/12 autonomous)
August 8: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
August 24: 12:00-2:00 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
September 5: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
October 4: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
November 7: 6:30-8:30 ET + two hours autonomous work
December 5: 6:30-8:30 pm ET + two hours autonomous work
February 2025
Follow up with participants for next steps to certification
Plan for an in-person activity/meeting at AATF/ACTFL/Regional/State Spring conferences
Begin planning for optional in-person seminars via university/state certification offices
Invite university/online certification experts to present processes
In memory of Yvonne André Istel