Jordan gets a secure job as a French Educator!

Hi, my name is Jordan.

I am an Early Childhood Educator and I heard that the Ontario School Boards were eagerly looking to hire in my profession. I applied to my local school board and was hired as casual (supply) to step in when permanent ECEs were sick or away. When talking with other supply ECEs, I heard that some had been waiting 5+ years to become permanent with the school board. I was starting this career late in life and I was thinking, “I don’t have 5 to10 years to wait to become permanent!”

In one supply job, I found myself working in a French Immersion position.  The teacher in the room was very enthusiastic and passionate about French. It was contagious! I wanted to support her and the children in the room, but didn’t know how to go about learning French (Google translator only goes so far!)  

When talking to the French ECE across the hall from me, I learned that she became permanent within a year because French ECEs were so hard to find. I was then thinking that maybe I should try learning French again. I had dropped out of core French in grade 10 as I found myself struggling. Could I really learn another language? I am not very academic, and I never passed English grammar tests in school. How would I do with a language that wasn’t my own? How much time and money would it take to acquire a second language? Was it even possible for me?

While working in this supply position I came across someone who was also supplying that day. This person told me about Monkey Lingo and I liked the idea of a school that taught in a non-strictly academic and more practical way. The teachers and Dane met me where I was at in learning French, would go at my pace, and be understanding as I tried to juggle 3 jobs while tackling French.

Over the course of a year (with an additional one-month French Immersion experience in Nova Scotia), I was able to become French qualified with the school board and accept a permanent French Early Childhood Educator position within a week of becoming qualified. I had learned enough French and now feel confident in guide children as they start their journeys in French.

The journey is not over. I still have a lot to learn, but I know I have a support system that will be with me to further my French speaking abilities. My goal is to be able to speak conversationally with ease and I know that Monkey Lingo will be a big part of me reaching that goal. It will take more time and commitment, but at least I know now that I get to stay in an environment that will continue to let me use French and push me to get better.  Thank you Monkey Lingo and thank you to the teachers who have worked with me!

Jordan