In search of a solution to counter the shortage of teachers, the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, asks universities to put in place an “exceptional measure” so that future teachers who fail the French test are not slowed down in their training.
• Read also: Big obstacle for future teachers with dyslexia
• Read also: An overhaul of the French exam for future teachers demanded
For nearly 15 years, aspiring teachers have been required to pass the Test de certification en français littéraire pour l’enseignement (TECFÉE) before their third internship, which is usually scheduled during the third year of the four-year baccalaureate.
In case of failure, the student must postpone his internship for at least one year, the time to pass the exam.
In mid-October, Le Journal reported that in some universities, nearly one in five future teachers (18%) must delay their training because they have not passed the French exam.
“Major shortage”
However, to counter the shortage of teachers facing the school network, the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, is asking for the collaboration of the universities in order to implement “new concrete actions”, can we read in a missive which he transmitted last week to the association which brings together the deans of the faculties of education of Quebec (ADEREQ).
“We are asking you for the immediate implementation of an exceptional measure”, so that students who do not pass the TECFEE before their third internship “can still continue their university training without interruption, including their practical training course. “, can we read in this letter obtained by Le Journal.
Passing this French exam will remain mandatory for obtaining the diploma and the teaching certificate, specifies Mr. Drainville.
“Maintaining high standards in mastering the language of instruction remains a priority for us,” adds the minister, who encourages universities to support students so that they can improve their skills in written French until the end. of their university education.
It was not possible on Monday to obtain a reaction from the president of ADEREQ, Jean Bélanger. At Minister Drainville’s office, we were told that they had not received any official response or reaction on this subject for the moment, without wanting to comment further.
In recent weeks, female education students have mobilized to demand flexibility in the terms and conditions surrounding the TECFEE, in the context of the teacher shortage.
Future teachers have even refused to do substitute teaching in order to protest against certain requirements linked to this French exam.
Many students find it hard to understand why they should be slowed down in their training as the shortage forces schools to hire a record number of non-legally qualified teachers.