Core French Option

A Sub-Specialization for Non-Specialists

Do you have some French language skills? Looking to enhance your teaching portfolio and career opportunities?

The Department of Language and Literacy Education (LLED) and the Teacher Education Office (TEO), with the participation of the Government of Canada and the Ministry of Education and Child Care of British Columbia, are pleased to offer the Core French Option—a sub-specialization for non-specialists designed for teacher candidates interested in teaching Core French in Grades 5-12.

This option is open to non-specialists (anyone not in the French specialization cohort) and provides both pedagogical and linguistic preparation to support teaching French as an additional language.

Who Can Apply

This is a flexible, concurrent option—not a cohort—and is available to all BEd students (elementary & middle years and secondary) except those enrolled in the French specialization. You can participate regardless of teachable subject or your option (e.g., Dual Degree, IB, EDID, Digital Pedagogies & AI). All courses and activities are completed in addition to, and alongside, your existing BEd program requirements.

Why Choose the Core French Option?

  • Broaden your qualifications and become more competitive in the job market.
  • Respond to the ongoing shortage of qualified French teachers across BC and Canada.
  • Gain practical skills and confidence to teach Core French effectively.
  • Earn a Certificate of Completion from UBC’s TEO and LLED department.

Please note: This option provides foundational preparation but does not replace the French specialization and does not certify you as a French specialist. However, in regions experiencing French teacher shortages, many employers recognize this sub-specialization when certified Core French teachers are unavailable.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be admitted to the 2025/26 Bachelor of Education program
  • Not be enrolled in the French specialization cohort
  • Demonstrate interest in teaching Core French at the Grades 5-12 level
  • Have some background and knowledge of the French language

Program Components

French Pedagogical Workshop

Attend four face-to-face workshops focused on teaching Core French and French as an additional language. Sessions will be held on the UBC Vancouver campus during Winter Term 1 (September–December), on non-practicum days.

Professional French Oral Communication Course

This non-credit course develops your oral fluency through weekly one-hour sessions (September to January). Classes feature small group discussions, interactive activities, and teaching simulations—all conducted in French. No assignments or evaluations.

No additional tuition fees.

Personal Language Learning & Teaching Portfolio

Build a reflective portfolio that documents your personal language learning and teaching journey. Include goals, risk-taking activities in French, cultural experiences, and professional development throughout the year.

Recommended Enrichment Opportunities

LLED 371 – Foundations of Teaching French: Secondary

Summer Term 2 elective course

LLED 3352 – Teaching and Learning French as a Second Language in Multilingual Contexts: Elementary (Enhanced Section)

Winter Term 2 special section of a required course (January to February)

The special enhanced section of this required course for all elementary & middle years BEd teacher candidates is available to those enrolled in the Core French Option, as well as to anyone else with prior knowledge of and background in French. This section is offered in French with opportunities to use English as needed.

EDUC 430 – Community Field Experience (CFE) in a French context

Winter Term 2 (May for Secondary | June for Elementary & Middle Years)

UBC Summer Institute in Québec City | Institut d’été de UBC à Québec

August (dates TBA)

Bursaries are available to teacher candidates to cover most of the costs associated.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit an expression of interest by completing this form.

For more information about the sub-specialization or the application process, please contact:

For frequent updates and announcements, follow us on Instagram @UBCFrenchEd.

Back to top