Study Canada K-12 hosts “Diversify Your French” summer institute

This summer, Study Canada K-12 launched their first virtual institute, called “Diversify Your French”, with the tagline “there is more to French than baguettes and the Eiffel Tower.” Over four weeks in July, French teachers from around the United States met weekly online to expand their understanding and knowledge of French from throughout the diaspora. They learned about Acadian French from WWU’s  Dr. Christina Keppie, Michif and Métis culture from Calgary teacher and Indigenous Coordinator M. Lauren-Rose Stunnell, Global French from UBC professor Dr. Nikhita Obeegadoo, and ended with a primer on Québec language innovation from Binghamton University’s  Dr. Yulia Bosworth. Teachers were enthusiastic about learning new approaches and in their reflections commented on how “easy and important it was to infuse new viewpoints onto their classroom.” Thanks to teachers taking the time to learn with Study Canada K-12  over the summer, many French classrooms will be a broader and more welcoming spaces this school year.