Ici on parle français was first launched as a pilot project in 2020–21. The original intention of the program was to provide small grants to individual FSL teachers across the province to support a variety of professional learning activities. The program is funded through the French as a Second Language Labour Market Partnership (FSL-LMP), led by the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA).
In 2021–22, the program was expanded into a larger professional learning opportunity, inviting involvement both by individual FSL teachers and by those working in collaborative learning teams of two to four members. Funds can be used to participate in a professional learning activity or program or to purchase teacher/educator resources to support teachers’ FSL proficiency and pedagogy. For those working in a team, the maximum grant is $500 per team member (maximum of $2,000 per team) and for those working individually, the maximum grant is $250.
The application deadline for 2024–25 is
5:00 pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024
Successful applicants will be notified by early November 2024.
The application period is now closed.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a grant, you must meet all the following criteria:
- You must be a member of OTF or one of its Affiliates;
- You must be employed as a teacher (full-time, part-time or occasional) or education support worker by a publicly funded school board in Ontario;
- You do not need to be currently assigned to teach/instruct FSL;
You must commit to the following:
- Spending the funds awarded to you. This is a highly competitive program and if you are successful in being awarded a grant you MUST follow through on your proposed professional learning project.
- Submitting an interim report between December 16, 2024 and January 10, 2025, to share your progress to date.
- Submitting an update on how you have spent the funds awarded to you, in the week of March 17, 2025.
- Completing a Survey and a Final Report by May 23, 2025, regarding the impact of the program/activity on your French proficiency and confidence in teaching French.
Grant details and restrictions
- The maximum grant for teams is $500 per teacher (max. of $2,000 for a team of four);
- The maximum grant for individuals learning on their own is $250;
- Funds may be used for any professional learning program or activity (AQ or other) that leads to improved French proficiency and/or FSL teaching skills;
- Funds may also be used to purchase print or other media resources for teachers/educators to support your FSL proficiency and teaching;
- Funds may NOT be spent on student resources, EXCEPT for projects that are investigating the impact on FSL teaching practice of using student resources and/or the FSL Experiential Learning Resources for Educators and Students provincial program;
- Funds may NOT be spent on capital purchases, food, travel or accommodation;
- For FSL courses, funds will be paid upon proof of successful completion of the course;
- Original receipts for all expenditures must be provided;
- Eligible PD programs/activities may have begun as early as September 1, 2024, but must be completed no later than May 23, 2025;
- Grants will be awarded with due consideration of the merits of the application, with priority given to group projects over individual applicants.
The application period is now closed.
